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Markelov claims lights to flag victory

Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Austria. Sunday 9 July 2017 Artem Markelov (RUS, RUSSIAN TIME). Photo: Hone/FIA Formula 2 ref: Digital Image _ONY2131

Artem Markelov scored his second win of the season at the Red Bull Ring ahead of Alexander Albon and Oliver Rowland.


Artem Markelov (Russian Time) started from reverse grid pole ahead of Ralph Boschung (Campso) and Nobuharu Matushita (ART GP). At the start, Boschung was slowing down on the grid and was hit by Raffaele Marciello (Trident) who had to retire. Nabil Jeffri (Trident) also stalled on the grid but eventually managed to get back to the pits.

At the restart, Markelov was in the lead ahead of Alex Albon (ART GP) and Oliver Rowland (DAMS). The Russian driver kept the advantage while Charles Leclerc (Prema) took 5th place to Jordan King (MP Motorsport) but a couple of laps later, Antonio Fuoco (Prema) who was attacking Rowland, could not avoid his teammate, the Monegasque having to retire.

After a brief intervention of the VSC, Gustav Malja (Racing Engineering) hit the car of Luca Ghiotto (Russian Time). The Swede went into the pits before going again. Nicholas Latifi (DAMS) was handed a 5 second penalty for speeding in the pitlane. The Canadian got overtaken by Ghiotto while Boschung had to retire.

The Italian started his come back by overtaking King for P5 and then Fuoco for P4. With three laps to go, a contact between Robert Visoiu and Nyck De Vries ruined both races.

Markelov joins Leclerc as multiple race winner this season as Albon and Rowland join him on the podium. Ghiotto, Fuoco, King, Nato and Latifi completed the points scoring zone.