Arthur Leclerc (Prema Powerteam) sprinted away from pole and took the lead in Race 1, rapidly opening a gap and was soon ahead of Juri Vips (KIC Motorsport) by several seconds, the Estonian holding second for a long time, defending it from the rapid and tenacious Gianluca Petecof (Prema Powerteam), followed by the home driver (he lives a few km from the circuit), Pierre-Louis Chovet (Van Amersfoort Racing).

Jusr before the end of the race Leclerc made a mistake, ran wide and lost the advantage he had accumulated over Vips, who repeatedly tried to attack the Monegasque, but without success. In the meantime Petecof waited and watched, looking for the opportunity to launch an attack on Vips. Several laps passed and he eventually made it stick, pulling of an on-the-limits overtake followed where Vips resisted all the way before having to give ground. The Frenchman then tried to launch an attack on Petecof for second, but he has to give way to the Brazilian, who mounted a determined and decisive defence.

The race ended with no further change in positions, with the victory going to Leclerc, who also set the fastest lap, followed by Petecof, Chovet and Vips.

Race 2 will start at 18:20 local time today.