The iRacing Asia Pacific Qualifying Series is officially underway with Liam Reston storming to the lead after winning the opening round of the three-round series.

With 20 competitors entered in the round, Reston enjoyed a dominant performance over the competition, beating Tom Katsidonis by just over two seconds, while pole sitter Marcello Rivera rounded out the podium.

Taking place at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Rivera proved quite quick during qualifying but Reston snatched the lead off him after an impressive overtake early on in the race.

Rivera then lost his position to Katsidonis not long after the latter produced a highly consistent performance to punch in solid laps across the race.

Behind the top trio was another intriguing battle for top five honours, with Mario Vartanian picking up fourth over Benjamin Roberts – although the duo finished the round on equal points on the standings.

Although he finished fifth, Roberts was involved in another entertaining battle with Rivera after the two pitted at the same time and went wheel to wheel in the few corners upon their reentry - Rivera eventually winning that battle before going on to finish third outright.

The opening race of the qualifying series wasn’t without its drama though as Griffin Gardiner, who was one of the quickest in qualifying, was involved in a crash that involved three other drivers – Ashley Lear, Chris Mitchell and Daniel Yeaman.

Click here to watch highlights from the event.

The big pile up wasn’t the only crash of the day with Josh Muggleton suffering terminal damage after crashing into the wall.

Following on from the round, Reston now holds a seven-point advantage at the top of the standings with 27 points to his name, while Katsidonis sits three points ahead of Rivera. Vartanian and Roberts sit equal fourth on 12 points.

The second round of the iRacing Asia Pacific Qualifying Series will see competitors compete at Mount Panorama on Monday 8 August.