Wickens goes flag-to-flag in race 1 at Spa

Robert Wickens took a flag-to-flag victory in the opening Formula Renault 3.5 race of the weekend at Spa-Francorchamps.

The Canadian led every lap from pole position and completed his dominance by setting fastest lap. Wickens' Carlin team-mate Jean-Eric Vergne was second, 2.6 seconds adrift at the checkered flag.

Front row qualifier Albert Costa made a outbraking attempt on Wickens at Les Combes on the opening lap. After locking-up spectacularly, Costa ran wide over the grass on the exit of the corner and was passed by Vergne. Costa held on to finish 3rd despite flat spotted tires.

"The start was much better than Motorland [Aragon]," said Wickens, referring to his minor first corner mistake in round one. "But I knew I was going to be in trouble on the straight after Eau Rouge. Albert had a pretty good run, but fortunately he braked a little too late. After that I opened up a small gap and maintained it for the next 23 laps."

Results – 22 laps: