Korea race: Cochet storms to victory

The Signature Competition driver, who has tested for the Prost Formula 1 squad and raced briefly in both Formula Nissan and F3000 this year, converted his pole position into a three-second advantage in the opening leg of the 17-lap race. In the second 24-lap event, he was equally dominant - blasting into a lead he was never to relinquish and setting a new lap record on his way to victory.

"I had no real problems today," he beamed. "My only worries came at the start but fortunately my getaways were perfect. The Changwon track is a very difficult circuit so you need to attack all the time - particularly on the infield section. If you stop pushing, it becomes easier to make a mistake."

In both legs, Cochet was hounded all the way to the flag by British driver Andy Priaulx. The Promatecme UK racer, who also started from the front row of the grid, was never able to make a decisive move on the leader.

"Jonathan made an exceptional start," Priaulx admitted. "Our pace just wasn't quite there but we've had a brilliant weekend. The team never compromised for a moment."

After a series of breathtaking overtaking manoeuvres, Benoit Treluyer secured third spot, despite beginning Sunday's first race from ninth on the grid. At the green light, the Frenchman rocketed into seventh and further benefited when Enrico Toccacelo and Tiago Monterio tangled in front of him.

Ulsterman Derek Hayes drove a lonely race to fourth after ending the opening leg in third position, he was usurped by Treluyer at the start of leg two.