Motorsport: Evans claims first GP3 victory of season

New Zealander Mitch Evans has claimed his first victory of the GP3 season, winning at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona. Photo / Getty Images.

New Zealander Mitch Evans has claimed his first victory of the GP3 season, winning at the Circuit de Catalunya in Barcelona.

Evans was helped by jump starts to Daniel Abt, Felix da Costa and Antonio Spavone, which earned them drive-through penalties, and then the retirements of Ethan Ringel and Alice Powell after only one lap.

A re-start was required after Kevin Ceccon stopped on the circuit in what was deemed a dangerous place but Evans took his chances well and was thrilled at the finish.

"I'm absolutely stoked, you can't get much better than that to start the season on the top step of the podium," said MW Arden driver Evans, who won from Marlon Stockinger and Aaro Vainio.

"I was quite disappointed after free practice and qualifying so it was good to come back with a win. I was fortunate with Daniel and Antonio's jump starts and their misfortune but I am not going to complain about that. I made a great start, the car was brilliant from the first lap, it was fantastic."

Evans added that a comprehensive testing regime over winter had helped the car's performance. "We know we have found a good race set-up," he said.