Ernesto Rivera took his Formula 3 maiden victory in what he called a ‘tough race’ for the Red Bull Junior in Austria.
Rivera missed the opening round of his rookie F3 season due to a back injury that he sustained in pre-season. However, he returned to Monaco, where he achieved a strong result.
In Austria, Rivera made a strong start in the race, getting ahead of James Wharton. He held onto the lead until the halfway point in the race, when Wharton managed to retake the position.
However, Rivera wasn’t going to let the lead go; the duo fought until the final laps when the Red Bull junior made a lunge on the PREMA driver. He took the lead and secured his maiden victory around the Red Bull Ring.
He was content with the victory, telling the media, including Motorsport Week, “It feels really good. It was a very tough race, but it feels great to have my first podium and win here in Red Bull Ring.”
He talked through the battle with Wharton and the brief contact they made when Rivera tried to get past him, and the later race fight for the lead. He said:
“We had contact in lap six or seven, I don’t know really, but we had a little bit of contact. Then I stayed behind him, tried to make the same move three times, and the third time it worked.
“I braked as late as I could, even put first gear, and yeah, got the move done.”
In both Formula 3 and Formula 2, there were plenty of overtakes occurring around the track, with the most common areas being Turn 3 and 4. As well as 6.
Rivera told the media that Turn 4 presented the best opportunity, though he tried plenty of times in Turn 3.
“Because turn three he always defended, and I wasn’t close enough to pass him on the outside, so turn four, even with the DRS being a bit closer to him, I think that was the best opportunity.”
Despite the injury, Rivera admitted that he’s felt good since coming back. His performance has proven it. He’s managed to show great speed in each race and joked that Austria was his worst qualifying result despite the turnaround.
“Since round one in Monaco, honestly, I felt quite good. Actually, this was my worst qualifying of the year, but yeah, it was good to win here.
“I think I’ve had the pace since Monaco to be on the podium. Just didn’t put it really together, both in Monaco and in Barcelona.
“Here, obviously, it’s good to be on the podium. It’s a boost of confidence. And honestly, I learned a lot for tomorrow about tyres, DRS and stuff. So yeah, that’s the main thing for today.”
As a Red Bull Junior, the win comes with extra support for Rivera. They celebrated the Red Bulls’ home race with the team members under the podium, which was ‘super special’ for Rivera.
“It’s super special to win here in Red Bull Ring.
“When I was on the podium, I could see some Red Bull guys taking pictures, and I felt super special. It’s a dream, honestly, getting on the podium and winning here in Red Bull Ring.”
“I raced here last year in Euro Cup and got a podium and already felt special. And yeah, winning here, it’s amazing.”
It’s still a long season ahead, but Rivera has started it off strongly and shown that his injury and recovery won’t stop him.
READ MORE: Ernesto Rivera takes maiden F3 victory in Austrian Sprint Race
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