Weckström Claims Maiden Sprint Win in Thrilling Finish

Alec Weckström claimed his maiden sprint race victory after holding off a relentless late charge from Rusty Wyatt, the Victory Team driver withstanding intense pressure over the closing laps to win by just over two seconds.

The Finn controlled the race from pole position but came under sustained attack from Wyatt, who posted the fastest lap of the race at 46.576 seconds and closed to within half a second with three laps remaining.

Weckström praised his team after a difficult Friday: “The team sorted problems out for qualifying and this race, it was great to fight with these guys. My hope for the race is that Jonas sleeps a little bit at the start.”

Wyatt, who had been three to four miles per hour quicker on the straights, mounted his challenge with seven laps remaining as he consistently lapped faster than the leader. His 46.576-second best lap edged Weckström’s 46.703-second effort, but the Victory Team driver held his nerve to secure the win.

Morin Claims Podium on Home Waters

Peter Morin delighted the home crowd with third place for China CTIC Team, the Frenchman claiming his first podium finish of the weekend. Morin, who competed in F2 earlier this season and suffered heartbreak when a blown fuse cost him the world championship in the final race, delivered a composed drive to finish nearly five seconds behind Weckström.

Ferdinand Zandbergen produced an impressive performance from eighth on the grid, the Red Devil-SMC F1 driver making a storming start to climb into fourth by the opening lap and holding the position to the flag.

Stark Holds Off Cohen Challenge

Erik Stark claimed fifth for Team Abu Dhabi after resisting pressure from Damon Cohen, who attempted an audacious overtaking manoeuvre that ultimately failed to come off. The Australian completed the 18-lap race in sixth, finishing nearly 27 seconds behind the winner.

Alexandre Bourgeot, who required an engine change before the start, finished seventh one lap down ahead of Duarte Benavente. Stefan Arand and Bartek Marszalek both failed to start.

The Grand Prix of Zhengzhou takes place on Sunday morning at 10:05 local time (02:05 GMT), with rain forecast for the 39-lap race.

Sprint Race 2 Results

POS	#	DRIVER	TEAM	LAPS	BEST LAP	TIME/GAP
1	3	Alec Weckström	Victory Team	18	46.703	Race Time
2	17	Rusty Wyatt	Sharjah Team	18	46.576	+2.430s
3	7	Peter Morin	China CTIC Team	18	46.870	+4.695s
4	12	Ferdinand Zandbergen	Red Devil-SMC F1	18	47.119	+17.055s
5	6	Erik Stark	Team Abu Dhabi	18	47.387	+26.017s
6	98	Damon Cohen	Comparato F1	18	48.957	+46.260s
7	74	Alexandre Bourgeot	Maverick Racing	17	49.160	+1 Lap
8	10	Duarte Benavente	F1 Atlantic Team	17	50.654	+1 Lap
9	18	Stefan Arand	Sharjah Team	0	—	DNS
10	77	Bartek Marszalek	Strømøy Racing	0	—	DNS