Richard Verschoor wins reverse-grid FIA Formula 2 opener in Bahrain

Richard Verschoor has won in dominant fashion in a thrilling reverse-grid FIA Formula 2 opener in Bahrain.

The Dutchman held his own in the lead of the race ahead of some spirited battles up and down the field.

"I am really, really happy to win the race today," said Verschoor.

"The team has worked very hard to achieve this."

"They were really motivated before the season and so was I."

"It is because of my sponsors that I am here now, and I thank to say a big thank you to all of them."

"I am really looking forward to tomorrow."

The Trident driver sprung into action from lights out, overtaking polesitter Felipe Drugovich who fell back to sixth on the opening lap.

Ralph Boschung was on a flyer, up to second after starting sixth on the grid, followed by Jehan Daruvala, Liam Lawson and Théo Pourchaire.

There were battles throughout the pack as drivers got the Formula 2 season underway, but the action was brought to an early halt when Jake Hughes clipped Marcus Armstrong, sending him into a spin and out of the race.

Verschoor maintained his healthy lead at the restart and the field began to settle into racing order as they approached half-race distance.

Jack Doohan and team Virtousi had decided on an alternate strategy, using the soft tyre for the sprint race.

Doohan was an early beneficiary, moving up to sixth after starting tenth, but his pace quickly began to degrade and he lost ground in the latter half of the race, falling back to tenth.

Verschoor held the lead in the final stages ahead of Daruvala and Boschung, but an attack from Liam Lawson promoted the Kiwi into the final podium position.

Aussie Calan Williams finished in fifteenth.

The FIA Formula 2 field returns at 9.40pm this evening with Jack Doohan in pole position for the first feature race of the season.