Formula Renault 3.5 Series: Vaxiviere wins at Spa

French driver Matthieu Vaxiviere (Lotus) wins Formula Renault 3.5 Series race at Spa-Frankorchamps today and become the first driver to win for a second time this season in the championship. The leader in the general classification Jazeman Jaafar (Fortec Motorsport) and the highest placed rookie Dean Stoneman (DAMS) joined the Frenchman on the podium.

Earlier in the day, Matthieu Vaxiviere picked up his second pole position of the year ahead of Beitske Visser (AVF), who was then disqualified following post qualifying inspection. Nicholas Latifi, Jazeman Jaafar, Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports) and Nyck de Vries (DAMS) lined up behind the Frenchman on the starting grid.

WSR-Spa-Vaxiviere02< An extra formation lap was needed to remove the car of Alfonso Celis (AVF), blocked on the starting grid. In the very first metres, Nicholas Latifi got past Matthieu Vaxiviere. Jazeman Jaafar, Nyck de Vries and Dean Stoneman followed the two leaders at the end of a hectic opening lap where the safety car was called into service following the accident of Pietro Fantin (International Draco Racing).

Nicholas Latifi held on to the lead at the re-start, but on lap six, Matthieu Vaxiviere surprised the Canadian on the outside of the double-left hand corner. The Frenchman pulled away from his closest pursuer, who was then overtaken by Jazeman Jaafar and Dean Stoneman.

Matthieu Vaxiviere : “I made a real mess of my start, we have to look at this to avoid it happening again. I like driving the car with low-downforce and I was able to pressure Nicholas. He made a mistake and I made the most of this situation to try my passing move. I am happy with this win and I want to thank the team for all the work it had done.”

One more race at Spa are scheduled for tommorow at 13.45 (CET).

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