Following an iconic maiden Formula 3 pole position, Freddie Slater reflected on what was an ‘incredible’ achievement for the Audi F1 junior.
The TRIDENT Driver sailed to the top of the timing sheets during Friday’s qualifying session. Beating his more experienced rivals, Theophile Nael and Louis Sharp, by two tenths of a second.
Since the season opener in Melbourne, Slater has had the pace to challenge at the front of the field. However, the Briton always felt he had left more lap time on the circuit, leaving him with a best qualifying result of third before Silverstone.
But on home turf, Slater finally managed to complete a lap worthy of the top spot in qualifying, and reflecting on the session, Slater emphasised his excitement following the landmark result.
“I think it’s been coming for quite a while; it was more about stringing all the pieces together,” Slater told the media, including Motorsport Week.
“The team have done an amazing job of putting all the pieces together, especially on this sort of track.”
When discussing the lap itself, Slater highlighted that whilst his practice pace looked positive, the track was completely different due to the other series’ sessions.
“I think after practise was really positive,” The Briton explained.
“I think we had a really good session, but then qualifying was completely different.”
“The track had F1, F2, and then the wind was a lot different, much hotter, completely changed all the variables.
“But I think we managed it well, adapted well and did the job in the end.”
The perks of being a British junior driver
It’s not very often that a rookie in a series has an experience advantage over their rivals throughout a race weekend. But Slater had more than just his home fans’ support aiding him to secure a first pole position. The decorated junior driver has partaken in over 20 races at the iconic Silverstone venue throughout his racing career.
With extensive run time on this circuit, the Briton came into the weekend knowing the track on a level that very few of his rivals did. Ultimately, his knowledge of the circuit led him to understand certain areas during the high-pressure sessions.
“I think coming here was also a bit more normal for me,” Slater explained.
“I kind of understood a bit more why they were happening because I have a bit more track knowledge here. So it’s just kind of, well, they’re normal things that happen when you come to a track that you probably know a little bit better.”
Importantly, the 17-year-old clarified that his experience didn’t necessarily mean being the fastest. Instead, he ensured to do the basics properly, and maximise the pace of his TRIDENT.
“But that still doesn’t mean you’re going to be the fastest,” Slater said.
“You know, in this car, it’s completely different to what I’ve driven previously.
“So you have to adapt to these sort of feelings and how the corner should be approached. But that’s that’s what we did this this weekend.
“I think we maximise, obviously, the learnings I’ve already had here from previous years and categories and then fine-tune the bits we need for this F3 car.”
A solid result for Slater front of his home fans
The most satisfying part of this result for Slater was that it was at his home circuit. The Audi development driver explained the significance of the milestone, not only because it was done at a legendary venue.
“Silverstone is a home race for me, I only lived 50, 45 minutes from here. So very, very special to finally get that pole position here.”
Alongside that, Slater expressed his appreciation toward his home fans, who have shown up in numbers to support him this weekend.
“It’s super special,” The 17-year-old said. “You know, the support I’ve had this weekend is incredible. There’s been so much shouting, cheering for me.
“It’s very special to have everyone supporting me, and especially bringing a nice pole position to all the fans is a nice gift for them. So hopefully we can reward them on Sunday.”
Slater will be aiming to secure yet another milestone this weekend by claiming his maiden F3 win at home. There is no doubt that the victory would be popular amongst fans at the circuit who will be hoping to hear their national anthem come Sunday’s F3 podium.
READ MORE: Freddie Slater takes stunning home F3 pole position for British GP
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