Piloting their MSA Formula Powered by Ford EcoBoost cars both Carlin men got off the line well and were soon able to enjoy an inter team battle for the lead. After 21 laps of great racing Norris took the win with team mate Herta just behind.
Off the line the Bristol Sport racer was the quickest to react as the lights extinguished and stormed in to the lead after the first corner. Pole man Matheus Liest, who had dropped to second, then began to come under pressure from those behind and subsequently out braked himself allowing Herta the opportunity to take the position and run close behind his Carlin team mate.
Over the next few laps Herta focused on cutting the gap to Norris and was able to slot in right under his team mate’s gearbox as the pair continued through the early stages of the race. However the pair stabilised the gap as the mid-point of the race appeared with the American seemingly unable to get by despite setting impressive sector and lap times. Championship leader Norris looked to have the situation well and truly under control.
Over the course of the coming laps, Herta continued to apply the pressure and made a move at Luffield however despite being side by side, Herta slotted back in to second position and waited to see if another opportunity would arise.
However with the time ticking down Herta was unable to challenge Norris for the lead of the race. When the flag fell after 21 laps, Norris and Herta ensured they came away with an incredible one-two race result. As a result Norris has now extended his championship lead while Herta moves up to third position in the title fight.
Reflecting on his seventh win of the season Norris said, “I got off the start really well and was able to take the lead of the race. However I had Colton [Herta] right up behind me so that put a little bit of pressure on me when he made a couple of moves. But we had a really good car again this afternoon and it’s a great way to start the weekend of racing. It’s also nice to pull further points in the championship which was the aim this weekend. We’ll have a lot to do in race two but we hope to continue this throughout tomorrow.’
