Franco Colapinto takes first Formula Regional European victory in Austria

Franco Colapinto has won race one of the Formula Regional European weekend in Austria as Aussie Tommy Smith was taken out on lap one.

Franco Colapinto celebrates his first victory of the 2021 Formula Regional European season. (Supplied)

Colapinto started on pole, holding off the fast-starting Hadrien David into turn one.

Alex Quinn started fifth, moving past Gabriel Bortoleto at the start, and mounted a strong challenge against Paul Aron for the final podium position, but was unable to make his way through.

Further back, Léna Bulher went too deep into turn three, taking out Tommy Smith and bringing out the safety car.

Buhler earnt a three-place grid penalty for Sunday's race for the collision.

Colapinto held his lead at the restart ahead of David and Aron, and despite tight racing at the top, the order remained steady when Alexandre Bardinon skidded out into the gravel and brought out the safety car with just three minutes remaining.

With the pack still neutralised, Colapinto took the chequered flag for his first victory of the season.

“I am really happy for the improvement, and thank the team for the amazing work as they have given me a great car,” he said on the podium.

“I did not have a good start and it was a very difficult and long race, but I am happy and confident also for tomorrow.”