Rookie Egor Orudzhev springs surprise in Hungary, Oliver Rowland cruises

Matthieu Vaxiviere (Lotus) dominated the two collective tests at the Hungaroring. The Lotus F1 Team Junior driver posted the fastest lap of the day in 1:29.514 to lead from Tom Dillmann (Jagonya Ayam with Carlin) and general classification leader Oliver Rowland (Fortec Motorsports). In the morning session the Frenchman edged out Tio Ellinas (Strakka Racing) and Pietro Fantin (International Draco Racing) to secure the best time.

Russia’s Egor Orudzhev (Arden Motorsport) was the quickest Formula Renault 3.5 Series rookie on Friday and on Saturday he became the first rookie to win a race in this season’s Formula Renault 3.5 Series.

Starting from the front row, the SMP Racing protégé got the better of the poleman Oliver Rowland and managed to fend him off all throughout the race. The Englishman was overtaken in the final corner by Manor F1 driver, Roberto Merhi (Pons Racing), who claimed the first podium result for the Spanish team since 2011.

However, Rowland had the last laugh as he came up big on Sunday. After a perfect launch from fifth place on the grid, the Racing Steps Foundation protégé overtook pole winner Matthieu Vaxiviere for the lead and went on to control the passing attempts of his rival throughout the 27 laps of the race. Rookie Gustav Malja, who started from row three, scored his maiden podium result in the category.

With his runner-up finish, Vaxiviere now trails the Englishman by 16 points in the championship.

Provisional general classification: 1. O. Rowland – 123 points, 2. M. Vaxiviere – 107, 3. J. Jaafar – 87, 4. D. Stoneman – 68, 5. T. Dillmann – 55…