Ticktum sweeps to dominant Macau F3 qualifying race victory

Red Bull junior Dan Ticktum swept to a dominant win in Saturday's qualifying race for the Formula 3 Macau Grand Prix, seeing off threats from Callum Ilott, Joel Eriksson, and a mid-race safety car sparked by a dog appearing on-track on his way to victory.

2017 Macau Grand Prix winner Ticktum started the race from pole after topping Q2 on Friday, but lost the lead on the opening lap to Ferrari youngster Ilott, who managed to pick up a tow on the run to Lisboa.

Ilott failed to make use of his advantage, with Ticktum regaining the lead on Lap 2 before pulling away from the field, with his charge only being stunted by a mid-race safety car after a dog was seen on the track.

After nailing the restart at the green flag, Ticktum kept his cool at the front before crossing the line 1.5 seconds clear of the field, ensuring he will start Sunday's main event from pole position.

"It’s been a good weekend so far," Eriksson said. "After the first two laps it was quite plain sailing, we were able to build a good gap. Callum got past me on the first lap and I had a few challenges thrown at me early on, but after that I was able to get into a good rhythm.

"My biggest rival tomorrow will be Joel I think, because I believe Motopark has the best car, which is great for the team. It should be a good clean race tomorrow and hopefully I can come out on top."

He will be joined on the front row of the grid by Motopark teammate Eriksson, who got the jump on both Sacha Fenestraz and Ilott at the restart to clinch second place. Ilott was left to settle for P3 ahead of Renault junior Fenestraz.

Jakes Hughes capitalised on a late crash for Guan Yu Zhou to finish fifth ahead of Mick Schumacher, while newly-named Red Bull youngster Juri Vips took seventh ahead of Marcus Armstrong. Ralf Aron and Robert Shwartzman completed the top 10.