Thruxton British F3: Matt Rao wins fight with Martin Cao
Matt Rao took honours in the final British Formula 3 Championship race of the weekend at Thruxton to reclaim the championship lead from Martin Cao
Once again, Cao made the best start of the two Fortec Motorsport team-mates, but Rao swept ahead with a brave outside move at the chicane at the end of the first lap.
Cao retook the lead on the second lap and initially seemed to get away, but Rao cut the gap and on the ninth lap of 26 he moved back in front at the chicane.
After that flurry of excitement, Rao was able to show his speed - drawing away to break the tow to Cao and win by 6.5 seconds.
"I got a bad start again, but I drove a smarter race this time," said Rao. "I didn't try to pass in stupid places, and once I got in front I was able to break the tow.
"At that point I think his tyres were starting to go off - I'm a bit nicer to mine."
Camren Kaminsky made a good start to vault from fifth to third, and from then on headed home temporary Double R Racing team-mate Max Marshall.
Carlin driver Peter Li lost half a minute to the field with a moment on the opening lap, and trailed home a distant fifth.
Results - 26 laps: Pos Driver Team/Car Time/Gap 1. Matt Rao Fortec Dallara-Merc 30m13.842s 2. Martin Cao Fortec Dallara-Merc +6.579s 3. Camren Kaminsky Double R Dallara-Merc +14.288s 4. Max Marshall Double R Dallara-Merc +18.757s 5. Peter Li Carlin Dallara-VW +1m03.023s
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