Liam Lawson third as Vesti takes maiden F2 victory in Baku

Frederik Vesti has won his first race in FIA Formula 2 with a late charge in Baku ahead of Jehan Daruvala and Liam Lawson.

Vesti took the lead in a last-lap restart from Daruvala to claim victory in the Azerbaijan sprint race.

Polesitter Jake Hughes was slow off the line with Vesti initially into the lead by turn one, but it was Daruvala who glided past into turn three and gained a huge advantage on the chasing pack.

Vesti made a decisive move past Hughes back into second on lap six, with the first safety car on lap nine bringing him back into contention for the victory.

Daruvala had to hold Vesti off at another safety car restart after Enzo Fittipaldi and Juri Vips went off together at turn two.

The PREMA leader out-braked himself into turn one at the restart and Vesti snatched the lead.

Lawson charged into third at the restart past Felipe Drugovich and Richard Verschoor, with the Trident driver running wide into the barriers to bring out the safety car once again.

The track was cleared for a final lap dash to the finish, with Vesti holding on for victory.

Behind them, Ralph Boschung edged out Calan Williams, who collided with heavily with the barriers and was collected by Cem Bolukbasi and Marino Sato in a dramatic collision.

Taking the win under yellow flags, Vesti was overjoyed.

“I just won my first Formula 2 race here in Baku and honestly, I just want to thank ART," he said.

"This win is for my sponsors – they are one of the reasons why I’m here and this one is for Michael, my sponsor.”

Daruvala had to settle for second, with Kiwi Lawson completing the podium.

Countryman Marcus Armstrong was fourth, while Drugovich narrowly extended his series lead with a fifth-place finish.

Jack Doohan started and finished in eleventh, keeping clear of the drama at the front but missing out on a points finish, while Williams was classified sixteenth after his crash.

The FIA Formula 2 championship returns to Baku for the feature race at 5.00pm on Sunday (AEST) with Juri Vips on pole and Liam Lawson alongside him on the front row.

Watch every race of the 2022 FIA Formula 2 season live on Kayo Sports. Start your 14-day free trial today!

2022 FIA Formula 2 Championship - Baku Sprint Race

1. Frederik Vesti
2. Jehan Daruvala
3. Liam Lawson (NZ)
4. Marcus Armstrong (NZ)
5. Felipe Drugovich
6. Logan Sargeant
7. Theo Pourchaire
8. Ayumu Iwasa
9. Jake Hughes
10. Roy Nissany
11. Jack Doohan (AUS)
12. Juri Vips
13. Amaury Cordeel
14. Clement Novalak
15. Ralph Boschung
16. Calan Williams (AUS)
17. Marino Sato
18. Cem Bolukbasi
19. Olli Caldwell
20. Richard Verschoor
21. Enzo Fittipaldi - DNF
22. Dennis Hauger - DNF