With three red flags throughout the Madrid Formula 2 qualifying session, Rafa Camara admitted it was stressful trying to put a lap together under the clock.
Coming to Madrid for the first time around the brand-new Madring track has brought a slew of unknowns for every series racing. While F3 had their in-season test around the track a few weeks prior and F1 have three practice sessions before qualifying,
F2 has had the least experience around the circuit, and struggles showed almost immediately. There were three Red Flags in the session and consistent disruptions for the grid. Despite this stopping and starting nature
“I think with the red flags it’s difficult to keep focused the whole time. It’s also difficult to create momentum, build some momentum, and it definitely was not an easy one for me, especially getting to the end of the session without a really decent lap.”
He admitted that the narrow walls and blind corners alone cause the laps to not be the easiest; with the stoppages on top, it becomes ‘tricky’ to put in a lap.
“It was tricky to get the last lap and just close in a good way.” He said, “It was a bit stressful for me on my side, but I was able to close well without risking too much and be in a good place, so happy.”
“Yeah, it was not easy. I think when you put yourself in the position, for sure it makes it a bit more stressful in the end without a representative lap. It makes you more stressed and thinking of just closing the lap and being down the top ten.”
Camara told the media that he tried to focus on the moment and not let the stress of the clock running out affect his approach to the qualifying session.
“But just really trying to focus on the moment and really what I could control and putting the lap down at the end.
“I think that was a bit stressful, but in the end we managed in a good way, and now we’re in P3 in a good place for the races, and I’m sure we can have a good weekend from here.”
Camara starts ahead of his championship rivals, holding the momentum over Tsolov despite the Bulgarian having the points advantage. With plenty of rounds left, the title is still in play, and the Brazilian is putting himself in the perfect position to challenge for it.
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