Fairuz Fauzy scored a maiden Formula Renault 3.5 triumph at the Hungaroring today.

The breakthrough victory is Fauzy’s first in almost three years in the category, and returns him to the winners’ circle for the first time since last year’s opening A1GP event at Zandvoort.

“I was shocked by the result in qualifying as I thought we had to be higher,” said Fauzy. “But we knew our car was really strong on old tyres, and I could control the race today which is pleasing.

“I was only pushing when I needed to, as I had quite a high brake temperature, and I didn’t want to cook the brakes. So it was good for me when we had a safety car period and I could give the brakes a rest. Now we just need to work on our speed on new rubber, as well as our strategy for tomorrow. It was hot out there and could be even hotter tomorrow.”