Jake Dennis (Prema Powerteam) and Lance Stroll (Prema Powerteam) crossed the finish line behind Rosenqvist and thus ensured a clean sweep of the podium for the Prema drivers. Behind Gustavo Menezes (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) and George Russell (Carlin), Pietro Fittipaldi (Fortec Motorsports) finished sixth to score his best result in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship to date.

Felix Rosenqvist already took the lead at the start and defended his position throughout the race. Two safety car interventions didn’t bring the stalwart’s position in jeopardy either, he held on to his lead. The first safety car intervention followed after the cars of Matthew Rao (Fortec Motorsports) and Raoul Hyman (Team West-Tec F3) got stuck on track following a collision. The second intervention was caused by Nick Cassidy (Prema Powerteam) on lap twelve as he crashed into the tyre stacks, losing his fourth position.

Irrespective of the safety cars, Rosenqvist led the field throughout the race. His two team-mates Jake Dennis and Lance Stroll also were on course for a podium finish at the circuit near the Portuguese Algarve coast at an early stage already. Fourth-placed Gustavo Menezes had a little bit more work to do, having to defend his position against George Russel, but the American succeeded. Earlier on, British driver Russell had overtaken Pietro Fittipaldi and finished fifth as the second-best rookie. After 19 laps, Canadian Lance Stroll took the rookie honours in third place overall.

An entertaining race with many position changes saw Charles Leclerc (Van Amersfoort Racing) finishing seventh from Antonio Giovinazzi, Mikkel Jensen (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport) and Santino Ferrucci (kfzteile24 Mücke Motorsport).

Felix Rosenqvist (Prema Powerteam): “Unlike race one, I had fresh tyres for this race and I was able to pull a gap right after the start. Then, the safety car came out and my gap was gone. Nevertheless, I was able to hold on to my first place at the restart, only for the same procedure to start all over again a few laps later. Of course, it is nice to be back in the lead of the championship again. We have been quick throughout the season and now I am back in the lead, which I already had after the first race at Silverstone.”

Jake Dennis (Prema Powerteam): “Felix had some new tyres for this race, but I didn’t, so he was faster. Nevertheless, my race was good and I am happy with second place. In the two races at Portimão so far, I have been able to make up many points in the drivers’ standings as Antonio and Charles were having some problems here. Still, I am not thinking about the drivers’ standings, but working from one race to another. At the end, we will see where that gets me.”

Lance Stroll (Prema Powerteam): “Compared to the start of the season, I have been able to make significant improvement, in particular in qualifying during the most recent race meetings. Here, I have shown two solid races so far. At the two restarts during this race, I didn’t have a real chance to overtake Jake, but still, third place is good.”