Initially considered to be backmarkers at best with the outdated looking car, Aston Martin and Finn/Aussie hybrid Aidan Keranen have surprised the whole paddock winning the opening round at Melbourne. Being way ahead in qualifying already, Keranen drove circles around his opponents in the race, finishing a full lap ahead of second placed Sasha Jednak. Laad completed the podium in 3rd place thanks to a late overtake against Said, who struggled on his 2nd set of tyres. Having started 3rd, he also lost out to Harvey in the end, crossing the line in 5th place. One lap more and Rossello would've gone past too, the Williams driver was already right at the back of Said. Wolf in the only Toyota had a rather lonely race finishing 7th, further behind Sigoulakis at Lutz were battling for 8th. Sigoulakis kept the upper hand, but couldn't even get close to his teammate's pace due to engine troubles throughout the whole race. Márk Lintner had to start from the pits after issues with his car, and never could get up to speed. Mishra didn't even make it to the race, his engine blew up in the formation lap.