Theo Pourchaire stretches legs in dominant F2 feature race victory

Théo Pourchaire won the FIA Formula 2 feature race in Bahrain by almost 20 seconds as the pack behind him squabbled on alternating strategies.

Theo Pourchaire celebrates after winning the first feature race of the 2023 FIA Formula 2 season. (Formula Motorsport Limited)

Pourchaire started on pole and held the lead confidently off the start as Victor Martins was swallowed by the pack from second.

One of the first to pit in the expected strategic window from lap 13, Pourchaire set about building an unassailable lead.

With the drivers on alternate strategies yet to catch the front of the pack, Pourchaire passed Verschoor on track and built a 19.6 second gap by the chequered flag ahead of Ralph Boschung and Zane Maloney.

“An amazing way to start the season by winning the first feature race of the year," said the Frenchman.

"It’s been an amazing weekend."

"After putting the car on pole by seven-and-a-half tenths, which was surprising but I was quick, we won the feature race."

"I have to give credit and thanks to my team, ART Grand Prix, and the Sauber Academy as well."

"Without them, I wouldn’t be driving."

"Let’s focus on the rest of the year, there’s still 13 rounds to go."

Theo Pourchaire on track during the Formula 2 feature race in Bahrain. (Formula Motorsport Limited)

Second-place finisher Ralph Boschung was the leading driver on the alternate strategy, pitting on lap five and making his way up the order as his rivals peeled off into pit lane.

Kush Maini followed him through the field for most of the race, but the Campos driver's tyres fell off the cliff with a handful of laps remaining and he was caught by Zane Maloney - the Rodin Carlin driver finishing in the final podium position after starting P18.

The story was repeated down the grid, with a six-car battle for sixth as the younger tyre runners caught up with those who had pitted in the first ten laps.

Arthur Leclerc held on for sixth after a series of off-track adventures, with Hadjar making it to seventh on fresh tyres ahead of the struggling Ayumu Iwasa.

Aussie Jack Doohan was one of the first to fall off the tyre cliff, dropping from the top ten to P16 by the chequered flag.

Pourchaire leaves Bahrain in the lead of the championship standings on 32 points, with Boschung in second on 28 points.

The 2023 FIA Formula 2 championship returns 17-19 March and the tight, fast, and technical Jeddah circuit.