Ukrainian motorsport has achieved its first-ever top-level victory in the Formula racing system. Seventeen-year-old driver Oleksandr Bondarev delivered a triumphant performance at a round of the Formula Regional European Championship in Italy. Competing in the series for the first time, he immediately claimed victory in the decisive race at Imola.
According to FIA Official, the Ukrainian started from pole position after setting the fastest time in qualifying. Oleksandr led throughout the entire 15-lap race, holding off repeated overtaking attempts from Italy’s Emanuele Olivieri. Bondarev crossed the finish line just 0.443 seconds ahead of his rival, securing the first victory of the year for his team, Van Amersfoort Racing.
The top three in the Imola race were:
- Oleksandr Bondarev (Ukraine);
- Emanuele Olivieri (Italy);
- Renaud Francot (Netherlands).
The championship represents the next step on the motorsport ladder after Formula 4. Bondarev’s debut proved highly successful, as he finished 10th and second in the weekend’s two previous races. With these strong results, Oleksandr scored 37 points and currently sits 14th in the overall championship standings.
