Hugh Barter continues French F4 run with Pau victory

Hugh Barter has taken his third win of the French F4 season after an opening lap move at the historic Pau circuit.

Hugh Barter leads Souta Arao around the Pau circuit. (FFSA)

Japanese driver Souta Arao started on pole but Barter was able to muscle his way through in the opening stages.

The Aussie sped away as Arao fought to hold on for second, but he was able to match Barter's pace and the pair sped away from the chasing pack as a grueling battle for third emerged behind them.

Fellow Japanese driver Nomura made his way to third with five minutes remaining before losing control in the high-speed chicane and driving straight-on into the barriers.

This promoted French native Alessandro Guisti to the final podium position, while Barter held-off a last minute challenge from Arao at the front of the field.

Hugh Barter in the paddock after the race. (FFSA)

Barter holds the lead of the series after winning two races in round one at Nogaro, fresh from the Spanish F4 opener last week where also took out the season opener.

The French F4 academy series returns 11.40pm tonight (AEST) for reverse-grid race two, before race three on Sunday at 4.40pm where Barter will start on pole position.