Taito Kato on ‘unbelievable’ breakout F3 weekend in Melbourne

ART Grand Prix’s Taito Kato enjoyed a hugely positive debut weekend in FIA Formula 3, achieving two points finishes from a possible two, including a maiden visit to the podium.

The Japanese driver finished P5 in the shortened Sprint Race on Saturday, earning himself a point and then followed that up with an impressive drive on Sunday, winding up third following penalties for other drivers.

Speaking in the paddock afterwards, Kato said that he was thrilled with how things had gone in Melbourne, and while he admitted there had been a bit of luck involved, the overall performance from ART was a big positive.

“It's unbelievable feeling. It's kind of unreal feeling, to be honest. I still finished in P5 and then with a bit of luck, got up to P3. So, this is not exactly how I wanted my first podium to be.

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“So, I think next target is get a podium myself. But I’m still quite happy with the result considering it was my first ever weekend in Formula 3, so to end it with the podium result after yesterday getting P5 and a point, it's quite positive day.”

Last season, ART endured a much more difficult opening weekend to start the 2025 campaign, leaving Melbourne without a point and in search of performance.

This time around, Kato says there have been huge improvements in comparison to 12 months ago, and paid tribute to the French team’s efforts in turning things around.

“I think team did a really good job with the car. I think last year they were really struggling with here. I think they were P20 or something. But we got to the podium this time, so, I'm looking forward to next time.

“I’m feeling really good, to be honest. The car and the team is really good. I think the team did a really, really good job.

“This year we were fighting for the top five, which is quite a big step. I think the team did a really, really good job. I would like to say a massive thanks for the hard work of the team.”

Looking ahead to the remainder of the season, Kato says that the results in Melbourne have built a positive foundation from which to build from.

He added that the team has shown a step in performance compared to the Barcelona tests and that bodes well for what’s to come.

However, he’s not satisfied with just securing points, and he’s targeting the top step sooner rather than later.

“From the Barcelona test, to here, it's been really nice and I have quite good confidence for the future.

“I could adapt quite well in the battles. But I don't like battles, I want to finish the race with a P1. I want to start pole position and finish all the races first.”