ROAD TO F1: Flawless Zendeli takes maiden F3 win from pole in Belgium

Trident’s Lirim Zendeli roared to his first-ever FIA Formula 3 win from pole with a near-faultless performance around Spa-Francorchamps, finishing 4.047s ahead of ART Grand Prix’s Theo Pourchaire.

While the German eased to victory, there was an intense battle going on behind him for the championship lead.

Renault junior Oscar Piastri started the day in eighth, but made the most of mechanical issues for title rivals Logan Sargeant and Liam Lawson, firing ahead of them in the final few laps.

READ MORE: Qualifying recap – Tsunoda takes F2 pole as Zendeli beats the rain to seal top spot on F3 grid at Spa

Piastri's move on Sargeant for fifth going into Eau Rouge was the most significant. The Australian eased ahead down the left and took the championship lead with him.

Sargeant ended up in P8, and will have the chance to reclaim top spot in the standings from P3 in Race 2 on Sunday at 0945 local time, when Richard Verschoor will start from reverse grid pole.

For the full report, results and more news, visit the official F3 website.