Surprise but deserving victory for Paolini

Race 1 of the Academy Trophy was fraught from the outset. Hubert didn’t tempt fate and went into fourth position, which quickly became third, while Niklas Tiihonen escaped in the lead followed by Federico Paolini. Vsevolod Gagen was ranked 4th, Michael Taylor 5th, Oystein Helgheim 6th and Charles Leclerc 7th.

Tiihonen was hounded by a determined Paolini, while Hubert controlled the situation, but did not gain much on the leading duo. Leclerc won a position from Taylor, then another from Gagen to take 5th. Paolini put pressure on Tiihonen who suddenly set a better time. Leclerc went 4th from Helgheim, but he took back his place.

Paolini could not attack Tiihonen who knew what he was doing, Hubert seemed content in third position, favorable for the start of the next race. Severin Amweg set several fastest laps. There was a surprise in the final meters of the race with an attack by Paolini, then Tiihonen took back the line, and Paolini was back ahead by the wire. Tiihonen showed his displeasure. Helgheim was 4th, Leclerc 5th. Hubert is in an excellent position for more results …

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