The East Block Racing Formula Series kicked off its second season in spectacular fashion at Bahrain's Paddock Circuit, delivering two action-packed races filled with wheel-to-wheel battles, last-lap drama, and unexpected twists.
Qualifying: Georgie Iliev Stuns with Pole Position
Under the scorching Bahrain sun, Georgie Iliev set the early benchmark with a blistering 1:22.4 lap - faster than any practice time - earning him pole position under the series' unique two-lap average qualifying format. Hot on his heels were Jan Hofrajtr and Emre Dundar, setting the stage for a fierce showdown.
Race 1: Bartosz Capitalizes on Last-Lap Carnage
The opening race erupted into chaos immediately, with Emir Dundar spinning in Turn 3 after contact, while midfielders scrambled four-wide into braking zones. The battle for the lead intensified between Georgi and Jan, but the real drama unfolded on the final lap.
Jakub Casa, fighting for P2, lunged down the inside of Iliev at Turn 8, sending both cars spinning. The collision handed Bartosz an unlikely lead, which he held to the checkered flag. Hofrajtr and Stepan Vesely inherited podium spots amid the chaos.
Top 5 Results (Race 1):
- Bartosz Dziekanski (BMW)
- Jan Hofrajtr (Toyota)
- Stepan Vesely (Renault)
- Georgie Iliev (Porsche)
- Jakub Casa (Peugeot)
Post-Race Reactions:
Bartosz: "I anticipated Georgi and Jakub's collision—they were stressed! I just waited for my moment."
Hofrajtr: "Karma is real! Got spun twice but still made P2."
Stepan Vesely: "Screamed when I saw the crash—thought I'd lost the podium!"
Race 2: Jan Hofrajtr's Dominance
Race 2 promised fireworks, and it delivered. Emre Dundar started in P3 but was swallowed by the pack in a chaotic opening lap. Jan Hofrajtr, starting from pole, carved away from the field with surgical precision, holding the lead all the way to the end and never looking back.
Behind him, Georgi Iliev recovered from an early spin to claim P2, while Matej Jurice and Bartosz Dziekanski dueled fiercely for P3. A late mistake from Jurice handed Bartosz the final podium spot.
Top 5 Results (Race 2):
- Jan Hofrajtr (Toyota)
- Georgie Iliev (Porsche)
- Bartosz Dziekanski (BMW)
- Stepan Vesely (Renault)
- Emre Dundar (Opel)
Post-Race Reactions:
Jan Hofrajtr: "Qualifying isn't my strength, but my race pace saved me."
Georgie Iliev: "Jakub's move in Race 1 was reckless. But P2 here? I'll take it."
Championship Standings & Key Takeaways
- Jan Hofrajtr leads the standings with 29 points, thanks to his dominant win and P2.
- Bartosz Dziekanski sits just 4 points behind after his lucky Race 1 victory and P3 in race 2.
- Georgi Iliev showed blistering pace but was undone by contact, leaving him 3rd overall.
Incidents & Penalties Loom
The stewards will review multiple collisions, including:
- Jakub Casa's divebomb on Iliev in Race 1 was awarded with a 5 second penalty.
Driver of the Day: Bartosz Dziekanski
The BMW driver's calculated aggression and opportunistic Race 1 win earned him top honors.
What's Next?
The series heads to Adelaide, Australia, where overtaking will be tougher—but if Bahrain was any indication, expect more fireworks.
"This wasn't scripted—it was pure racing chaos!" — Commentator Logan Edward
Did you watch the race? Who was your standout performer? Let us know!