Interview
Gladysz going ‘for everything’ in both races after going P4 in Melbourne Qualifying
Maciej Gladysz is aiming to score points in both Melbourne races this weekend after a good run to P4 in Friday’s Qualifying.
The ART Grand Prix driver left it until the final stages of the session to complete a personal best 1:34.454, which at the time he crossed the line put him in third.
However, polesitter Théophile Nael’s effort dropped Gladysz to fourth, a result he was ecstatic to achieve on debut as he shouted with joy over the radio.
Speaking in the paddock later in the afternoon, the Polish driver reflected on good first day in Melbourne.
“It was very positive,” said Gladysz on Qualifying. “I'm really happy with the car we have. The races are obviously different, but I'm really happy to start the season and the race weekend like that.
“I am starting fourth for the Feature Race and ninth for the Sprint, so I am really looking forward to it. There will be lots of battles throughout the races, but I will try to keep it calm and make a good start to get ahead of the drivers in front.
“But overall it's really nice track. I was a bit scared at the beginning to drive so close to the walls. It's not similar to Monaco, but it's still quite close. But I really enjoyed this track to drive.
“So I think I can improve some things for the next time I'll be here. But for now, I can enjoy and relax before the upcoming races and then I will give them my best.”
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Gladysz had early mentioned that he had struggled at the beginning of Qualifying before leaving it late to set his best lap.
When asked about the mindset on the last attempt, the 17-year-old said: “After the first stint I was very confused that I was that far away, that I was that far off the pace. After that, I made lots of improvements with my driving.
“The car improved as well. We had less fuel, as did everybody and I'm really happy with the performance.
“I was a bit going crazy after this qualifying because I didn't expect that. The first time at this track and doing so well, I think it's a really good thing for me.”
Looking ahead to both races, Gladysz said: “I want to go for everything this weekend. I think for the whole season when I'm in top 12, I'll give it my best all the time to try to score as many points as possible without any bad things on track, without any penalties.
“So I can get a nice amount of points by the end of the season, but at the moment I am focussing on the upcoming races.”