Sneha Sharma got a strong start from second on the grid, peaking at the leader, but Alister did one better. The Malaysia blew past into first through the first corner with the mass of cars blocking out the rest of the grid through turn two and three. 

Coming into the second sector Shihab made a move to get past Sneha while Yash got past Muizz, the fight between the two orange cars making space for Lucca to dash up the inside at turn six and make it into fifth position. 

But the Irishman’s string of bad luck this weekend continued as he damaged the left half of his front wing. Seppanen tried to take advantage of the situation, and although Allen held him at bay for several laps, eventually the Finn found a way past. 

The commotion allowed Muizz some breathing room and he started to catch up to Yash while Alister and Shihab simultaneously set the same fastest lap of the race so far. Shihab pushed the Malaysian further and further in his attempt to claim to the top spot, but they were so closely matched that neither could make much headway. 

But then an incident at the exit of the final corner brought the yellow flags out and the double yellow indicated the safety car was to be released. The procession slowed to a halt and it looked like Alister’s day could be ruined. 

Luckily for the Malaysian, the marshals finished the recovery before the safety car left the pit lane, so it was called off and the race continued under yellow flag and green soon after. 

That was all the Malaysian needed to seal the deal, finishing first ahead of Shihab and Yash and finally besting the Omani for the fastest lap.