Vergne sets the pace in British F3 testing

Carlin driver Jean-Eric Vergne was once again the quickest driver on track during British F3 official testing today, as the teams took their only opportunity to test at the Oulton Park circuit before the first qualifying session of the year there in April. Carlin team mates Adriano Buzaid and James Calado were also on the pace, setting the third and fourth quickest times respectively in their Volkswagen powered Carlin Dallaras.

Carlin Motorsport Credit: Carlin Motorsport

Vergne was quick from the outset, having set the second fastest time in the first session of the day and then topping the two remaining sessions. Calado and Buzaid similarly traded places at the top of the timing sheets while Rupert Svendsen-Cook finished the day in the top ten.

On his first visit to the Oulton Park circuit, 17 year-old Jazeman Jaafar was on impressive form early on, setting the seventh fastest time in the first session. The Petronas backed racer made contact with the wall however in the second session while exploring the limit of the 2.7 mile circuit, but was able to return to the track for the third and final session of the day to gain much needed experience around the challenging circuit.

Pace setter Vergne said, "We did a pretty good job today. Our main aim today was to work on a qualifying simulation, as this is our last chance to test here before we go into qualifying at the first race of the season. We had really good pace and we were quick on new tyres so I'm pleased. Its important here not only to be fast but to get up to speed quickly. We saw today how many red flags there were and for sure there will be even more when we are pushing hard during qualifying. For that reason you need to be able to put in a fast lap straight away, which I feel confident we can do after today."

"Oulton Park is a fantastic circuit. I tested here late last year in the wet but it was a completely different experience in the dry today. It's so much fun to drive."

"The team did a great job again today", said Race Director Trevor Carlin. "With no testing at Oulton Park before the actual race weekend, it's important that we are in the best shape possible for the first qualifying session of the season. The team completed a very comprehensive test programme and Jean-Eric and Jazeman - who have never raced here before - gained some essential experience of the circuit."

The British F3 teams will take part in just one further official test at Silverstone before the season kicks off at Oulton Park from 3 - 5 April.

Print This Page	Go back to the previous page