Formula 3 rounds out its second European doubleheader at the legendary Silverstone Circuit during Formula 1’s British Grand Prix weekend.
Last weekend, F3 were in Spielberg for a crucial Austrian Grand Prix weekend that crowned a new pole sitter and two new race winners. Whilst iconic, Silverstone has produced several memorable yet chaotic races in the past seasons. Thus, this weekend could be pivotal in the championship standings.
The 5.891km circuit boasts 18 turns and two DRS zones exclusively in use for F3 and Formula 2. Silverstone is a bucket-list race for many drivers. With high-speed corners like Maggots and Becketts, testing one’s skills in the sport. Additionally, drivers will have to be wary of tyre management throughout the weekend, as heatwave conditions are expected to continue. Managing soaring track and cockpit temperatures could be critical this weekend.
As F3 heads into its fifth round of the season, the championship is beginning to reach the midpoint. With just 37 points covering the championship top six, a bad weekend could have catastrophic impacts on a driver’s championship hopes. Whilst a solid Silverstone performance could see a major shake-up of the field.
AIX confirms third driver for Silverstone
Following a season-ending injury for AIX’s Brad Benavides, the team have needed to find replacements for each round of the season. AIX officially announced that Ricardo Escotto would return to the team for Round 5 at Silverstone.
Previously, Escotto raced in Spanish and UAE Formula 4 alongside many of the members of the current F3 grid, including the likes of Bruno Del Pino, Theophile Nael and James Wharton. Most recently, the 21-year-old is partaking in the IndyNXT championship this season.
The Mexican driver has already partaken in a race with the team this year. Back in Barcelona, Escotto made his F3 debut with the team, finishing P22 in the Sprint Race and P23 in the Feature. With a round of experience already secured, the 21-year-old will be hoping for a better performance during one of Motorsport’s most coveted weekends.
Formula 3 championship round-up
Following the Austrian GP, it is Campos Racing’s Ugo Ugochukwu who tops the championship standings. The American leads with 78 points, a feature race victory in Melbourne and two further podiums. Behind Ugochukwu is Audi’s highly touted Freddie Slater. In just his rookie season, the Briton is aiming to emulate his predecessor Rafael Camara to secure the championship in his maiden F3 season.
Slater trails his American rival by 16 points and is still chasing his first F3 victory. However, a podium finish in Austria will definitely aid his performances in front of his home fans.
Whilst the hometown hero’s focus will be on catching his rival ahead, he can not risk a disappointing weekend. Because even closer behind him is Ugochukwu’s teammate, Nael. The Frenchman has been a significant figure in the season so far, having claimed all but one pole position this season. Nael has a clear experience gap over his rookie rival, which, if Slater isn’t cautious, could result in a loss of championship places.
Elsewhere, Del Pino and Brando Badoer will be looking to bounce back after a difficult weekend in Spielberg. Del Pino, who sat third in the standings after the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, was demoted to fourth after securing just one point last weekend. Meanwhile, Badoer saw a completely points-less weekend. The Italian’s poor weekend was a shock to many following his Monaco victory and fourth-place finish in Barcelona.
Whilst these three drivers have continually been at the front of the field, showcasing their skills and pace, F3 is yet to see a repeat race winner in any format. Emphasising how talented this group of young drivers are, and how quickly a driver’s time at the top can come crashing down.
READ MORE: Ernesto Rivera reflects on ‘special’ maiden F3 victory in Austria
Discussion about this post