Lights-to-flag victory for Marcus Armstrong at the Red Bull Ring

• New Zealander wins ahead of Michael Waldherr and Nicklas Nielsen
• Austria’s Mick Wishofer lifts Best Rookie trophy in front of home crowd
• Armstrong to start from pole again in Race 2

Spielberg: The seventh race of the season has produced a seventh winner. New Zealand’s Marcus Armstrong (16, Prema Powerteam) consolidated a strong performance in the morning’s qualifying session to celebrate a maiden ADAC Formula 4 victory at the Red Bull Ring near Spielberg in Austria. Starting from pole position, Armstrong beat off competition from Michael Waldherr (20, Germany) in a car fielded by Austrian outfit Neuhauser Racing and 2016 Best Rookie Nicklas Nielsen (20, Denmark, US Racing).

“I thought right from the start that we could win a race here,” said Armstrong afterwards. “That was a good example of what can be achieved through hard work. This weekend has been excellent so far, which is great for all of us.”

Juri Vips (16, Estonia, Prema Powerteam) extended his overall championship lead by finishing fourth behind Nielsen. Completing the Top Ten were Kami Laliberté (17, Canada, Van Amersfoort Racing), Lorenzo Colombo (16, Italy, Bhaitech Racing), Lirim Zendeli (17, Germany, ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg eV), Kim-Luis Schramm (19, Germany, US Racing), Kush Maini (16, India, Jenzer Motorsport) and David Malukas (15, USA, Motopark). Mick Wishofer (17, Austria, Lechner Racing), who finished 15th, was Best Rookie on the day.

The first race was stopped on the opening lap following a collision between several cars, which resulted in seven retirements. It was restarted behind the safety car and reduced to 20 minutes in length. Showing nerves of steel, Armstrong asserted his claim to the top spot on the restart while his rivals scrapped hard behind him.

The safety car came back out again after Jonathan Aberdein (19, South Africa, Motopark) and Felipe Drugovich (17, Brazil, Van Amersfoort Racing) went into the gravel during one such tussle and rookie Tom Beckhäuser (18, Czech Republic, ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg e.V.) couldn’t keep his car on track.

Armstrong did not let the interruption put him off his stride and comfortably secured his maiden ADAC Formula 4 win on the restart. The New Zealander will also start the second race on Sunday morning at 10.05am from pole position.

David Malukas will be on pole for the third race on Sunday afternoon at 4.30pm, in which the Top Ten from Race 1 start in reverse order. Armstrong, as the winner, will line up in P10 and Malukas, who finished tenth, will be on pole. SPORT1 and SPORT1+ will broadcast all of this weekend’s races live and as recordings. As usual, a live stream will also be available at www.SPORT1.de and www.adac-motorsport.de.

More comments from the ADAC Formula 4 contestants

Marcus Armstrong (winner, Prema Powerteam): “It’s a great feeling to be celebrating this victory with my team. I’m obviously dreaming of the title, but at the moment, only winning counts for me. Our car was so fast, I couldn’t even see what was going on behind me.”

Michael Waldherr (second, Neuhauser Racing): “That went a bit differently from what I had been expecting, but it went well all the same. Maybe not in all situations, but in the end, we can definitely be satisfied with the result. It was a good performance. I coped well with everything that was in my own control. We have the pace, and starting from seventh, it should perhaps be possible to finish in the Top Five. But I wouldn’t like to forecast any higher, as the field is too close together.”

Nicklas Nielsen (third, US Racing): “It was a crazy race, but of course I am satisfied with the result. We had a few problems in qualifying, but in the race itself, I got off to a good start and then managed to work my way forward. I’m very happy with third place. I’m pleased for Marcus – we used to drive for the same karting team. He really deserved this victory.”

Mick Wishofer (15th and Best Rookie, Lechner Racing): “Everything turned out for the best. I wasn’t expecting this after free practice and qualifying. We gained quite a few places in the race, and I personally felt really good in the car for the first time this weekend. I’m pleased, and the team is also happy with the Best Rookie result. Speaking as an Austrian, it is always a big occasion to be on the podium here at Spielberg. My team also comes from Austria, so it’s fantastic for them too.”