Joel Eriksson extended his title advantage in the European Formula 3 Championship after resisting Lando Norris during the opening race of the weekend at Pau.
Eriksson passed front-row starter Norris off the line as pole sitter Callum Ilott opened an advantage, only for the Prema driver to crash out exiting the Foch Chicane halfway around the first lap.
Eriksson and Norris broke clear of the chasing pack, as light drizzle fell, and maintained their pace following a Safety Car period, caused when Guan Yu Zhou hit the barriers.
The Safety Car was called once more when third-placed Joey Mawson crashed heavily at the long-radius right-hander at Parc Beaumont, followed in by the pursuing Jake Dennis, eliminating both.
There was sufficient time remaining for a two-lap dash to the chequered flag and Eriksson held on, crossing the line 0.243s clear of Carlin rival Norris.
Maximilian Gunther profited from the demise of others to take the final podium spot, despite being clipped by Dennis during the Briton’s off, in front of Nikita Mazepin, Ralf Aron and Harrison Newey.
Pedro Piquet, Mick Schumacher, Ferdinand Habsburg and Jehan Daruvala rounded out the top 10.
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