PRACTICE: Tsolov on top once again in Spa-Francorchamps opener

Campos Racing’s Nikola Tsolov was fastest in this morning’s Spa-Francorchamps Free Practice, completing a 1:58.927 to top the timesheets.

Rodin Motorsport’s Martinius Stenshorne was 0.199s behind the Championship leader in second, with Van Amersfoort Racing’s Nico Varrone third despite his session-ending crash into the barrier.

Rafael Câmara was the early pacesetter with a 2:00.035 but that time was quickly beaten by John Bennett and Dino Beganovic, before Roman Bilinski took over on top with a 2:00.015.

The DAMS Lucas Oil driver was fastest once again after the second set of laps. A 1:59.261 kept him at the top by 0.278s from Bennett 0.278s in P2.

Tsolov was part of a group of seven drivers that left the pitlane later than the rest and he then went quickest on a 1:58.927 with Martinius Stenshorne 0.199s adrift in second.

With under 10 minutes to go, the entire field returned to the track for their final laps.

Alexander Dunne was then shown the black and white flag after having had all four of his fastest laps deleted for exceeding track limits.

The Rodin driver had been on another flying lap before the Red Flags were waved after Van Amersfoort Racing’s Nico Varrone went through the gravel and into the barrier at Turn 14.

The session could not be restarted, and it meant Tsolov continued his fine run of form in P1 ahead of Stenshorne and Varrone.

Bilinski was fourth, with Noel León in fifth, followed by Kush Maini and Bennett. Câmara ended up in eighth place, just in front of Laurens van Hoepen and Gabriele Minì.

The drivers will now debrief with their teams before returning to the track later today at 15:55 local time for Qualifying.