GP3: Lynn dominates to take debut victory

Red Bull junior Alex Lynn started life on the Formula 1 team's driver development program in fine fashion with a comfortable victory on his GP3 Series debut at Barcelona.

The Carlin driver got away well from pole position but came under attack from fellow front row starter Marvin Kirchhofer and Richie Stanaway on the run into Turn 1. But Kirchhofer outbraked himself and ran wide, dropping to fifth, and as Jimmy Eriksson took advantage to steal second Lynn edged clear out in front.

Lynn led each of the 16 laps and pulled ever further away from Eriksson, setting the fastest lap on his way to victory.

"The start was OK, it wasn't my finest start but it was enough to keep the lead," said Lynn. "From there I was just managing my tires to seal the win. The car feels amazing, I know it's a real cliché to thank my team but it's a real testament to them."

Eriksson was well clear of Stanaway in third, with Patrick Kujala holding off the frustrated Kirchhofer for fourth. Dino Zamparelli was sixth ahead of Dean Stoneman, who started 13th, while ex-Formula 2 driver Mattheo Tuscher held off Nick Yelloly for eighth. Patrick Niederhauser claimed the final point in 10th.

Six drivers failed to finish, four of whom retired after a hectic first lap.

Briton Emil Bernstorff ran wide at Turn 5 and skated across the gravel into the tires. Victor Carbone, Roman de Beer and Carmen Jorda all retired later round the opening tour, while Adderly Fong suffered a mechanical failure with four laps remaining and Ivan Taranov retired with one lap to go.

Originally on Autosport.com