Dominant Kvyat wins GP3 crown

Future Toro Rosso Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat endorsed his graduation by securing the GP3 title in the first race at Abu Dhabi.

Racing under the lights, a first for GP3, MW Arden racer Kvyat led from start to finish from pole position to record a dominant 4.6-second victory over Carlin duo Alexander Sims and Nick Yelloly.

With erstwhile points leader Facu Regalia coming home seventh on the road, Kvyat had already done enough to be crowned champion before Regalia was dropped to 16th for ignoring yellow flags and exceeding track limits after a wild drive.

Conor Daly pulled off a fine move on Patric Niederhauser at Turn 2 on lap five to grab fourth, and chased Yelloly to the finish line.

Niederhauser failed to finish after a clash with Carlos Sainz Jr on the curving straight towards Turn 11 broke his steering and sent Sainz into a wild spin.

Jack Harvey finished fifth, ahead of series debutant Dean Stoneman, Tio Ellinas, Patrick Kujala, the recovering Sainz and Dino Zamparelli.