SMP Racing driver Robert Shwartzman scored his maiden victory in Race 1 of the FIA Formula 3 Championship, which takes place on May 10-12 at the Spanish circuit near Barcelona.
Starting from the pole position, Robert Shwartzman defended successfully the attack of his PREMA Racing team-mate Marcus Armstrong and became the leader of the race in the final standings.
"I struggled a bit with the start, Christian caught me on the inside and then defended well," SMP Racing driver Robert Shwartzman said. "I took second place at the beginning and I was a bit worried I was defending from Marcus and the leader got a little gap right away. For the next laps, I didn't push immediately but tried to get the rhythm. I stayed on the same gap for most part of the race and I was planning to push in the last laps. Then, the virtual safety car came out and I had never experienced this system. When I saw the lights I backed off to avoid any risk. Afterwards, while I tried to push, the gap stabilized. Then when I was told I was in, P1 I felt really happy."
Race 2 of the Formula 3 first round starts on Sunday at 10:15 local time.
