Interview
Kato pleased with progress over Spielberg test after topping final day
Taito Kato was satisfied with his and ART Grand Prix’s efforts over the two-day in-season test as the Japanese driver set the fastest time overall.
A 1:20.297 in the morning session put him at the top of the timing screens and speaking in the paddock afterwards, Kato said it had been a productive couple of days.
“It was quite good. Day 1 we were struggling a lot with the pace and grip. Today was a big step forward compared to yesterday, so I just want to say thanks to the team for their hard work.
“The car was much better today than yesterday, so we had quite a positive day. For the moment, we are focused on the race pace. We were struggling with the long run pace, so I think we have some things to learn, but let’s see how we go in Monaco.”
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Kato added that he was particularly satisfied to be at the head of the pack after the prolonged break in action following Round 1 in Melbourne.
The ART driver said that the team was able to rebound from a tricky first day around the Red Bull Ring, and transformed the car in order to find missing performance.
“To be honest, yesterday wasn’t good overall. There was no grip, but I think the team did a really good job. It was really hard work they did, but that’s why the car was so much better than Day 1. The car felt much better, it was on rails.
“I missed driving a Formula 3 car. It has been almost two and a half months, and I didn’t do any racing. I went sightseeing and then went back to Japan.”
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After the test, everyone’s focus now switches to Round 2 and Monte Carlo, a challenge that Kato is looking forward to based on his previous experience around street circuits.
“I’ve never been there before, so I have no experience at all in Monaco. I just want to practice in the simulator a lot and then we will see when we get there.
“I think I did pretty well in Macau. I was P5 of the rookies, so I have good confidence going to a street circuit and I’m looking forward to it.”