As in the day’s first race Rosenqvist controlled his lead until the second heat was interrupted with five laps to go after a collision between Felipe Derani (Fortec Motorsports) and Alex Lynn (Prema Powerteam). Raffaele Marciello failed to score points making it 25-0 in favour of the day’s double winner who has closed the gap in the title chase to 42.5 points.

 

“In all I’ve pulled back 35 points on Raffaele today, but I still feel a bit frustrated as it would have been better if he had finished further back in the first race,” said Rosenqvist. “Tomorrow he’ll be in front of me on the grid. It’s the type of race in which I’ll have to get the upper hand psychologically speaking. We’ll have a roundup of the situation tomorrow evening, as it’ll be the halfway mark of the season. But seventy-five points are up for grabs every weekend so a lot of things can still happen. At present we’re quick on the Red Bull Ring so this weekend’s turning to our advantage.”  

 

Daniil Kvyat, who has already set three pole positions, continues to make a big impression with another second-place finish. “Again I made a bad start! I’ll have to work on it. Then I was able to match Felix’s pace so we’re quicker than in the first heat. I’ve still got another chance to grab tomorrow as again I’m starting from pole.”

 

Lucas Wolf, who was among the quickest in qualifying, had his first top-three finish of the year. “I made a good start and I even led the race for two corners, but then Felix and Daniil passed me one after the other,” explained the young German. “URD Rennsport has entered only one car so it’s a bit complicated when you’re up against Prema Powerteam, Carlin, Mücke Motorsport and Fortec Motorsports which all enter four of five. Thus, we’re delighted with our first top-three finish which, I hope, will lead to many more!”

 

Lucas Auer (Prema Powerteam) and Josh Hill (Fortec Motorsports) rounded out the top 5. The FIA Formula 3 European Championship drivers still have one more race tomorrow, Sunday, in which the rain could reshuffle the cards.