Aragon Formula V8 3.5: Orudzhev gets first 2017 win in AVF one-two
Egor Orudzhev took his first victory of the 2017 Formula V8 3.5 season, sealing a one-two for the SMP Racing-branded AVF squad ahead of team-mate Matevos Isaakyan
Pietro Fittipaldi started on pole position but struggled to get off the line, falling down the order as the field streamed past his Lotus entry, with front row starter Orudzhev taking the lead.
Things then got worse for Fittipaldi as he was involved in contact with the Teo Martin Motorsport-run machine of Konstantin Tereschenko and spun into retirement after just four corners, denting his title aspirations.
After a brief safety car to recover Fittipaldi's machine, Orudzhev pulled out an ever-increasing advantage over Roy Nissany and Force India Formula 1 reserve driver Alfonso Celis Jr.
Orudzhev then cantered to victory ahead of an impressive drive from team-mate Isaakyan, who had started eighth on the grid.
Isaakyan seized the advantage after tailing the battle of Celis and Roy Nissany, before making a bold move on the outside of Turn 14 for third.
He then kept on the tail of Nissany, dispatching him for second with three laps remaining.
That left Nissany vulnerable to the advances of Celis, who steered his way through late on the final lap to secure third.
The tight battle for fourth between Nissany and championship leader Binder was settled late on, with Binder finishing fifth after starting a disappointing seventh.
Sixth went the way of Tereschenko, the Teo Martin driver beating the two RP Motorsport cars of Yu Kanamura and Damiano Fioravanti.
RACE ONE - 23 LAPS:
| Pos | Driver | Team | Gap |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egor Orudzhev | SMP Racing by AVF | 41m48.398s |
| 2 | Matevos Isaakyan | SMP Racing by AVF | 13.134s |
| 3 | Alfonso Celis | Fortec Motorsports | 19.577s |
| 4 | Roy Nissany | RP Motorsport | 20.084s |
| 5 | Rene Binder | Lotus | 20.217s |
| 6 | Konstantin Tereschenko | Teo Martin Motorsport | 29.415s |
| 7 | Yu Kanamaru | RP Motorsport | 37.911s |
| 8 | Damiano Fioravanti | RP Motorsport | 38.606s |
| 9 | Diego Menchaca | Fortec Motorsports | 38.946s |
| 10 | Giuseppe Cipriani | Il Barone Rampante | 50.849s |
| - | Pietro Fittipaldi | Lotus | Retirement |
Previous article
Aragon Formula V8 3.5: Pietro Fittipaldi takes opening race pole
Next article
Fittipaldi leads Lotus 1-2 in qualifying for second race at Aragon
How the post-Renault 3.5 series is shaping up
When Renault ended its support of its 3.5 Formula, there were fears about the category's future. But as PETER MILLS explains, the rebadged FV8 3.5 series has retained an appeal to drivers
The all-time FR3.5 top 10
An era ended in 2015 as Renault withdrew its backing of Formula Renault 3.5. GLENN FREEMAN and PETER MILLS pick the 10 best drivers from the World Series by Renault years
The top 10 FR3.5 drivers of 2015
The 2015 Formula Renault 3.5 season will be notable for being the last with the French company's backing but also produced a worthy champion in Oliver Rowland. PETER MILLS evaluates this year's crop of drivers
Renault's ladder to Formula 1
Since 2005 the World Series by Renault package has launched a host of young stars on the path to Formula 1. But there's much more to the events, both on and off the track
The top 10 FR3.5 drivers of 2014
The field was perhaps not as strong as in the previous season, but Carlos Sainz Jr emerged as a worthy Formula Renault 3.5 champion. GLENN FREEMAN rates the top 2014 drivers
The top 10 FR3.5 drivers of 2013
There were some standout performances in the Formula Renault 3.5 title race this year, but one racer stood above all the others. GLENN FREEMAN looks back and picks out his top 10 drivers
The 2013 Formula Renault 3.5 grid guide
Last year's field was extraordinary and hard to match, but the Formula Renault 3.5 grid will still have plenty of talent this season. Glenn Freeman runs through the field ahead of this weekend's season opener
Vandoorne: future McLaren F1 star?
Landing the Fortec seat that took rising star Robin Frijns to the 2012 FR3.5 title was already a good sign for Stoffel Vandoorne. Then McLaren took him under its wing. Peter Mills tells Vandoorne's story so far
