Norris dominates season-opening F2 round in Bahrain

Rookie Lando Norris delivered a crushing performance in the opening round of the FIA Formula 2 championship, racing clear of his opponents to lead a Carlin 1-2.

The McLaren junior enjoyed an untroubled afternoon, while Carlin team mate Sergio Sette Camara fended off various challenges from behind to finish 7.6 seconds behind Norris.

While the British driver's efforts were remarkable for his F2 debut, another man produced a stunning drive through filed to claim the last step on the podium.

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Artem Markelov was forced to start from the pitlane, but that wasn't a deterrent for the Russian Time driver who hunted down each of his rivals to make his way into the top ten with just five laps of the 31-lap race remaining.

In a succession of bold overtaking maneuvers, Markelov dispatched another seven cars in spectacular style to conquer and seal third, hot on the heels of runner-up Sette Camara.

DAMS' Alexander Albon and ART Grand Prix' George Russell completed the top five.

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