Jamie Constable controlled proceedings during the opening Masters Historic Formula 1 race of the weekend, in support of Formula 1’s United States Grand Prix.

Constable streaked clear from pole position and fronted the field into the imposing Turn 1 hairpin, before opening a slender but comfortably advantage for much of the 20-minute + 1 lap encounter.

Constable ultimately led all 11 laps of the race to pick up victory at the Circuit of the Americas aboard the Tyrrell 011B, with the race finishing behind the Safety Car following an incident for Stephen Romak.

The rear wing detached from the Tyrrell 012-6 and the field was neutralised as time expired.

Much of the intrigue in the race was focused on the battle for the runner-up position.

Cal Meeker and Jonathan Holtzman preserved their grid positions on the opening lap but Holtzman launched a daring move into the Turn 1 hairpin on the second lap to move ahead and emerge as Constable’s nearest rival.

But rather than pursue the leader Holtzman was unable to escape Meeker’s clutches and the Canadian eventually regained the position, leaving them in second and third respectively through to the flag.

Lee Mowle was fourth in the Lotus 78/2 while Bud Moeller guided his Williams FW08C past Ron Maydon’s LEC CRP1 early on to take fifth spot, with Maydon also overhauled by Dan Collins in the Lotus 91/8.

Gray Gregory collected eighth position in the March 761 with the March 741 of Richard Griot moved up to ninth place.

Penske PC4 driver Doug Mockett rounded out the top 10 at the conclusion of an encounter watched on by packed grandstands at the Circuit of the Americas.

Sunday’s second race, also of duration 20 minutes + 1 lap, is scheduled to begin at 10:55 local time.