Del Pino wins F3 opener as PREMA’s crash to bring premature end

Bruno de Pino led a Van Amersfoort Racing one-two to open the FIA Formula 3 season in the Sprint Race at Albert Park. A heavy crash between PREMA teammates James Wharton and Louis Sharp brought out a red flag on lap 8, ending the race early as barrier repairs were needed.

On lap one, Del Pino got away cleanly from his teammate Enzo Deligny, retaining the lead into Turn 1 as cars behind jostled for position, with Wharton and Trident’s Freddie Slater the notable names to drop positions as Rodin Motorsport driver Brando Badoer moved up to third past returning Trident driver, Noah Strømsted.

Slater and Campos’ Ugo Ugochukwu shuffled back through the pack and back into the top 10, but on lap eight as Wharton battled through the corners with teammate Louis Sharp, the two PREMA drivers came together with Sharp going up the inside of home hero Wharton after initially being forced off and both cars speared into the barrier causing extensive damage both cars and the barrier itself also.

📸 A mangled PREMA after their crash.

After a red flag period the race is was called to finish with a call of ‘race will not be resumed’ given and reduced points given to the top five only.

📸Just eight laps were completed in the season opener.

Points*:

1. Bruno Del Pino (Van Amersfoort) - Winner

2. Enzo Deligny (Van Amersfoort) - +1.381s

3. Brando Badoer (Rodin) - +2.712s

4. Noah Strømsted (Trident) - +3.307s

5. Taito Kato (ART) - +4.734s

*points usually given to top 10, but less points awarded as only 8 laps registered as compete.

Standings

1. Bruno Del Pino - Van Amersfoort - 5

2. Enzo Deligny - Van Amersfoort - 4

3. Brando Badoer - Rodin - 3

4. Noah Strømsted - Trident - 2

5. Taito Kato - ART - 1

📸 Image credits: Formula Motorsport Limited.