Daniel Abt Takes Maiden GP3 Victory In Shortened GP3 Race At Spa

Daniel Abt has taken his maiden GP3 race victory around the legendary Spa-Francorchamps circuit, after a shortened race due to an horrific fifth lap incident in which the Ocean Racing Technology driver of Robert Cregan slammed backwards into the tyre barriers at turn 10. Antonio Felix da Costa was classified 2nd, ahead of Championship leader Mitch Evans.

The race started without incidents as the field negotiated the ever tricky La Source hairpin, as the MW Arden of Matias Laine enjoyed a sensational start and led out of turn 1. However, the Finnish driver threw away his advantage through turns 5 and 6, as the MW Arden driver ran wide and nearly collected Daniel Abt upon rejoining the circuit. This gifted the lead back to Mitch Evans, with Antonio Felix da Costa a close 2nd at the end of the opening lap.

Antonio Felix da Costa wasted no time stuck behind Mitch Evans, as the Portuguese driver quickly found a way around the Kiwi for the lead of the race. However, the two were thwarted by a literally stunning overtake by Daniel Abt, who drove straight around the leading duo as they fought between each other for the lead at turn 5. These frenetic opening two laps were then overshadowed by yet another huge high-speed incident, as Robert Cregan was seen slamming into the tyre barriers backwards at turn 10.

As was the case when Nigel Melker crashed earlier during the GP2 feature race, the safety car was immediately deployed, with the Ocean Racing Technology car deeply embedded in the tyre barriers. The race was then red flagged as the medical car arrived on the scene, as the drivers lined-up behind the safety car on the grid. It was then announced shortly after that the race would not restart, therefore declaring Daniel Abt victorious.

It has since been confirmed that Robert Cregan is conscious and moving after the high-speed incident on the fifth lap, with the field only being issued half points due to the length of the opening race of the Belgian Grand Prix weekend.

Picture Copyright © Alastair Staley/GP3 Series Media Service