Kanato Le started the Formula 3 Sprint Race on reverse-grid pole, and after a solid race, he took his maiden F3 podium at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The beginning of the Sprint Race saw Le lose the position with a poor start. However, the rookie was quick to bounce back to retake from Gerrard Xie into Turn 2. The Japanese driver once again lost the lead when Theophile Nael lept through to take the position.
From there on out, there were few overtaking opportunities for Le to take advantage of. Still, he managed to defend P2 and secured his maiden F3 podium.
Speaking to media, including Motorsport Week, about his difficult start to the Sprint, Le said: “Start wasn’t great. I lost the position into T1, but I managed to stay calm and take back the lead into T2.
“I’m quite happy with how the race went. I think first podium for me in F3, so really happy about that.”
The challenge of the Hungaroring
While the Sprint Race took place in the morning, the track temperature was still high, which became a challenge for the drivers as tyre management became crucial to secure a good position.
When asked about the challenge and how he was able to keep the tyres in check, Le explained: “I think it was a challenge for everyone.
“I was focusing on managing the tyres from the start of the race, but like everyone else, I had a bit of front graining, and it was a bit hard to drive, but I think it was the same for everyone, and I have to learn for tomorrow.”
As the Feature Race consists of more laps than the Sprint, the drivers will do everything they can to ensure their tyres are good enough for survival.
Moreover, the season has not been the easiest for Le. The ART Grand Prix driver has only had three point finishes thus far, until this weekend. The nine points picked up and the performance delivered in the Sprint are undoubtedly important for the driver’s journey.
Asked about his tough season and how he can extract factors from his Sprint performance for the rest of the season, Le said: “For sure, the first races for me hasn’t been the best, but having this P2 I think is giving me quite a bit of confidence.
“Leading the race for a few laps was a good feeling, and I’m more motivated to do the same, and I think just head down and focusing on the rest of the season.”
Tyre management at Hungarian GP
The Hungaroring leaves little room for error. With its overtaking difficulties, precision is crucial, and it leaves the drivers with the difficulty of balancing risk versus reward.
When inquired about the difficulty of following the car ahead for multiple laps around the track and the importance of getting ahead early on, Le explained: “It’s quite hard to follow a car behind on this track.
“Sector two especially is quite hard with the dirty air. You really have to be careful with your tyres and just in general not to grain them, but in the end it’s just the nature of the track, and you just have to do your best and manage it.”
As mentioned, combined with the challenge of overtaking, the tyre graining is another battle the drivers will face. In the Sprint Race, several drivers experienced early tyre degradation, due to both the track itself and the temperature.
Speaking on whether the Feature Race would be tough on the tyres despite the early start, Le said: “It’s going to be important to manage the tyres with the race being longer.
“I think, just doing a clean start, staying out of trouble, and managing the tyres until there’s some deg for other drivers. That would be the plan and to move forward.”
The Japanese driver achieved his best result yet with his P2 finish. Asked what the great result means to him, the ART driver said: “It means quite a lot to me. Obviously, for me, it’s been difficult so far.
“But having the opportunity to start from pole in the Sprint Race and getting a podium has been somewhat of a confidence boost. It’s finally a good result for me. Hopefully, I can continue and do better for the next rounds.”
With the Feature Race in Budapest, and two more Rounds to go, Le will hope to continue his strong momentum from this weekend.
READ MORE: Theophile Nael hopes to replicate ‘really good’ start at F3 Hungarian GP Feature Race
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