Victory for Stevens the day that Sainz wins championship

Will Stevens achieved the win in Formula Renault 3.5 first race while Sainz won the championship after Merhi retiring before first turn. Oliver Rowland and Sergey Sirotkin complete TOP3 with Strakka Racing driver.

Will Stevens hold pressure against Rowland during last laps and specially the last turns, when Rowland stayed wheel-to-wheel with him and reached almost together the finish line. This finish gave Carlos Sainz Jr the title for Formula Renault 3.5 this year, after finishing 9^th and Merhi being unable to pass first turn.

Roberto Merhi’s accident was a huge disappointment for driver from Castelló. The great start he did did not feel well as Stockinger touched him from the behind. Cause was a William Buller movement that after a really bad start tried to defent position and closed Arden driver to Merhi, leaving those three drivers out of the race. Merhi left really angry to his box assuming that championship just left in an action that he had nothing to do with.

Race was going on with Sainz touching Tunjo in second turn. A movement that during the whole race was under investigation as Sainz was still running while Tunjo was in last position and had to abandon at the end.

After Fantin retiring too, Vaxivière was able to reach fourth position and Visser until fifth, with Gasly all the race behind him but unable to take his position. AVF driver pace was a second slower than drivers ahead but despite the situation Van Buuren was not able to reach the pair of drivers.

Race, then, finished with a Stevens – Rowland – Sirotkin podium and Carlos Sainz celebrating title. Dams team was in celebration in a place where Sainz felt warmed every time as he won the title in a race that takes place in his own country.

With the championship decided, Gasly and Merhi fight with just three points difference for a vice-championship that will be decided tomorrow.

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