Oliver Bearman led from start to finish to take victory in the opening race of this season’s ADAC Formula 4. The 16-year-old from the Van Amersfoort Racing team, who started from pole position, controlled the race from the word go to claim a dominant first win of the season.

Behind him in second place was Sebastian Montoya (16, Columbia, Prema Powerteam), ahead of Russian Kirill Smal (16, Prema Powerteam). Hamburg’s Tim Tramnitz (16, US Racing), ADAC Stiftung Sport driver, finished fourth. Fifth place went to Italian guest driver Leonardo Fornaroli (16, Iron Lynx). Next up on Saturday evening (17:30) is race two in the ADAC’s high-speed school.

“I am very happy with the win, my first in ADAC Formula 4. We have very good pace this weekend. The times in practice and qualifying were very good. That gives you confidence, and I cannot thank my team enough,” said Bearman after his success.

Tim Tramnitz starts this evening’s second race from pole position. Bearman lines up in second place and comes into the race brimming with confidence after his victory in race one: “I feel comfortable driving fast and must attempt to get off to a good start. Perhaps then I will be able to put Tim under some pressure. I am confident and looking forward to the next race.”

Bearman’s team-mate Joshua Dufek, who started the opening race from second on the grid, did not make a good start, with Montoya immediately able to pass the Swiss driver. Dufek then briefly came off the track later in the race, meaning he eventually had to settle for eleventh place.

The best-placed rookie was Nikita Bedrin (15, Russia, Van Amersfoort Racing) in twelfth, followed by Maya Weug (17, Belgium, Iron Lynx), who came home in 15th place. Third place in the rookie competition went to Marcus Amand (15, France, R-ace GP).