Collet aiming for top step and ready to fight for big points haul

Caio Collet is confident that he’ll be able to record a strong points finish in both the Sprint and Feature Races at Silverstone. The Brazilian Qualified fourth and believes his MP Motorsport car is more than capable of taking victory at least once this weekend.

Following Qualifying, Collet said that a mistake on his second attempt cost him the chance of starting further up the grid but that he was confident heading into Saturday’s Sprint event that points and podiums were possible.

“I think was a good session from both me and the team, it was a clean one. We did everything we wanted to, just from my side, a few small mistakes on my second set. I don't know if I could have fought for pole. I think we I did a pretty good lap there. But it is what it is, we are in a really good place to fight for podium in the Feature Race and some points as well in the Sprint Race.

“I think the car was really good since Free Practice when we were P2, and then in qualifying as well, we were really strong. I think the potential was there. Maybe I could have put a bit more together in my second lap and maybe could have done a little bit better but it is what it is and I think we have a strong car for both races.”

“I think I drove it a bit too hard, especially in sector two in my first push. But anyway, I don't think I lost a lot of time. Things could have been a bit better like always. I’m happy with both me and the team and the session and with the day we had today.”

After having the chance to reflect on a Qualifying session that had the top five separated by just 0.208s, Collet admitted it has been a struggle to get on top of the hard compound Pirelli tyres so far this weekend, but that the weather could play the critical role in the outcome of the races.

While the rain arrived in between Formula 3’s Practice and Qualifying sessions, it’s not the big factor the Brazilian says all drivers will struggle with most tomorrow.

“The wind here is really strong and affects the balance quite a lot, even more than the tires. I think you need to pay attention for the wind because it changes quite a bit. But for the Feature Race, obviously it will be a big factor. How you push and how much tyre you have left. So we need to see with the team our strategy and hopefully we will do a good job. Staring P9 tomorrow, we have a pretty strong car. I'm feeling good."

have a pretty strong car. I'm feeling good. Collet has been quick all weekend thus far, finishing Free Practice in second position, narrowly edged out by teammate Kush Maini. His Qualifying form proved it was no fluke and he’s taken to the Silverstone circuit very quickly.

“The track is one of the best I’ve ever driven in my life, so we'll see. It’s one of the best tracks in the world, especially with an F3 car. Sector 2, every time you go through Maggotts and Becketts, it’s something that feels really amazing. Hopefully I can do some overtakes tomorrow. Maybe I’ll be in the top five, that would be really nice.”

The MP Motorsport driver sits P11 in the Championship without a win or podium to his name yet. It’s something he is eager to change and an unwanted record he believes has a great chance of changing, admitting that it was time to get his season back on track.

“If we can be in the top five it would have been a good race, gaining at least a few places but most important is to score points because I don't have a lot so I need to start scoring some points!”