Freddie Slater once again proved to be the driver to beat as he topped the opening day of Formula 3 in-season testing at the Madring circuit in Spain. The Trident driver set a lap time of 1:50.343s, leaving a positive impression on the new venue.
Madring, which will host the F3 season finale in September, is a brand-new circuit for all drivers. Prior to the test, they only had simulator data to rely on. Slater admitted he enjoyed the challenge of adapting quickly to a track he describes as having strong character.
“I think it was a really positive day. This track is incredible to drive; it’s a bit old-school, has some interesting corners, and it’s got a lot of character. It’s probably one of the most enjoyable on a push lap on the calendar,” Slater said, as quoted by Motorsport Week.
Slater also highlighted the importance of adaptation at a new circuit. “I’m just enjoying it. I’m having fun. Today has been a really positive day. I’m just learning about the track and trying to adapt my driving style to it and also adapt the car a bit. It’s been a good learning day for the team, especially, with a completely new track and no previous data to rely on,” he added.
Despite his experience on street circuits like Macau and Monaco, Slater noted that Madring presents a unique challenge as it combines street and permanent sections. He stressed the importance of finding the limit safely. “It’s about going out, being on the limit, but not being too over the limit that you end up risking crashing. This morning it was important to build up gradually, get multiple laps under the belt, and that was a positive way of building up,” he explained.
Slater deemed Madring as one of the best tracks he has ever driven. “I love the whole thing. It’s incredible. Like Macau or Monaco, tracks that have character, and I think that’s the most special thing they’ve done here. I can’t name a favourite part, but I do like the Turn 5 and 6 chicane,” he said.
Looking ahead to Day 2, Slater predicted more new tyre runs early in the morning. “Tomorrow you’ll see probably a little bit more new tyres put on a lot sooner; maybe two or three runs in a row in the morning, which we normally see,” he concluded.
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