Hockenheim up next as Double R Racing returns to Europe
“We’re more determined than ever to score the first points of the year at Hockenheim," said Double R team principal Anthony ‘Boyo’ Hieatt.
Photo by: XPB Images
Following two challenging events to begin the 2013 season at Monza and Silverstone, British squad Double R Racing returns to the continent next weekend, 4th/5th May, for the third event of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship at Hockenheim in Germany.
Although still searching for the first points finish of its maiden season in Europe, the Woking-based team has proven it has the pace to run at the front in the ultra-competitive series with Italian rookie Antonio Giovinazzi having shown a blistering turn of speed so far.
Circumstances haven’t quite played into the reigning Formula Pilota China Champion’s hands up to now, but he was ultra-quick at both Monza and Silverstone and has the clear capability to put his Dallara-Mercedes at the sharp end during rounds seven, eight and nine. Just missing out on the top 10 last time out at Silverstone, if qualifying can be conquered Giovinazzi is a cert for success.Team-mate Sean Gelael hasn’t been at all over-awed by the intense level of competition in the pressure-cooker environment of the FIA F3 European Championship and has done a sterling job so far in his maiden campaign.
At just 16-years-of-age, the Indonesian driver is easily the most inexperienced competitor on the near 30 car grid but has impressed Double R with his application and tenacity. With a best result so far of 14th position, from the opening race of the season at Monza, Gelael is a bright young prospect.
Tatiana Calderón, who runs in the team’s traditional blue and silver livery as opposed to the yellow and red cars of Giovinazzi and Gelael, is also in her first season at this level and is improving all the time as she gets better acquainted with her Dallara F312.
In a tricky sixth round of the season at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit just under a fortnight ago, the Colombian delivered a season’s best 15th place finish in slippery conditions and will be determined to try and improve further on that at the 4.5-kilometre Hockenheimring next weekend.
Looking ahead to the third event of the season, team principal Anthony ‘Boyo’ Hieatt said: “We’re more determined than ever to score the first points of the year at Hockenheim, it’s been a mixed season so far but we’ve proven, with Antonio especially, we’ve got the pace to be near the front.
“All three drivers have produced some good performances in the races, it’s qualifying which has been the issue so far so we need to get on top of that next weekend. If we can break into that top 10 in qualifying, which isn’t easy, I know we’ve got the performance to take away some good results.”
Double R’s first running at Hockenheimring will come during two free practice sessions on Friday, 3rd May, ahead of qualifying which begins at 17.55 (local time). On Saturday, 4th May, round seven will get underway at 11.10 (local time) with round eight following at 18.05 (local time). Round nine is scheduled for 11.00 (local time) on Sunday, 5th May.
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