Interview
Fighting at the top of the timesheets: TRIDENT’s Pre-Season Review
TRIDENT Team Manager Giacomo Ricci feels that the level of competition in Formula 3 will only get closer this year, but feels his team are in good shape after a positive Barcelona pre-season test.
The Italian team were in impressive form with Freddie Slater fastest on Days 1 and 2 of the test, while on the final day, the Briton set the fourth quickest time, with Noah Stromsted up in P2.
In addition to that, both drivers and Matteo De Palo showed good pace in their long runs, and looking back on the Barcelona outing, Ricci was impressed with what he saw.
“Well, I’m quite happy about the testing, it's been a positive few days for us,” said Ricci. “Again, it’s pre-season, so it doesn't count so much.
“But I'm happy that we didn't have any problem with the cars and we've been able so far to run in the full programme with the three cars. We tested different items, so I'm really looking forward to Melbourne.
“You also understand there are things that will change as always and with the limited time that we have available, it will be as always extremely challenging. But, of course, here in Barcelona, happy to be up there.”
On his three drivers’ performances across the three days, Ricci also said: “I mean, together they are working very well. They are sharing fully the information between themselves, so that's absolutely positive.
“Individually it's good as well, each driver has their own different character. So, you need to change slightly the procedures according to their needs. But, so far, I'm happy and pleased with the work that we have been able to carry on with them.”
TRIDENT’s 2025 campaign ended with Rafael Câmara winning the Drivers' Championship, but also saw them narrowly losing out on the Teams’ title to Campos Racing by 11 points.
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When asked whether his team are better now than the one that left the Monza paddock last September, Ricci said that while they may be, the competition in F3 means it is hard to tell.
“It's difficult to say this because everyone is working extremely hard in the winter,” said Ricci. “What I feel is that every year, the level is getting higher and higher and higher. The competition is always closer and closer and closer.
“So, we worked this winter, tuning the last bits, the last parts. We hope that it will be enough. But, again, the reality is we will only know in Melbourne and, of course, through the season. But, again, we are positive so far.”
Campos and TRIDENT were stationed right next to each other in the pitlane during test, and while Ricci conceded they look at the timesheets for a reference to all of their rivals, he says all will truly be revealed in Melbourne.
Their main focus now as a team is getting their drivers, especially the rookies, Slater and De Palo, ready to go racing at Albert Park – a track that they have never visited.
“I mean, of course, you always look at the others, just to have a reference,” he explained. But it's so easy to get excited in the pre-season test and then when the real time comes maybe you fall to the back.
“So, again, we are focusing on ourselves and, as I mentioned before, we are happy to be up there. But the reality will be in Melbourne, where for us, for all our drivers, apart from Noah, for Freddie and Matteo, the track will be new. So, they will have to adapt extremely quickly to the new track.”