Zak O'Sullivan fastest as Formula 3 hits the track in Australia

Zak O'Sullivan was fastest in the FIA Formula 3 practice session as the category made its track debut in Melbourne.

Zak O’Sullivan was fastest in the first ever FIA Formula 3 session at Albert Park. (Formula Motorsport Limited)

It was a busy and testing session for the drivers as they ventured out onto the Albert Park circuit for the first time, with Gabriele Mini the first to set a competitive lap.

Others found the limits, with Grégoire Saucy taking to the gravel in turn 4 before Jonny Edgar spun in the turn 10 chicane and clipped the outside barriers.

His spin brought out the red flag, with the valuable few minutes of practice ticking away before qualifying later on Friday.

A late surge saw Gabriel Bortoleto, Pepe Marti, and Gabriele Mini all take turns setting the faster lap, with Zak O'Sullivan joining the pack at the top and setting consecutive fastest laps in the final minutes.

He set the final fastest time of 1:33.470 ahead of Mari Boya and Grégoire Saucy.

Hugh Barter was the fastest Aussie in eighth after a spin in the final corner, with Christian Mansell fifteenth-fastest and Tommy Smith twenty-ninth on the timing sheets.

The FIA Formula 3 field returns with qualifying underway at 2pm local time.

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