Leonardo Fornaroli's Melbourne Weekend In His Words

4 April 2023

When it comes to racing in Formula 3 - consistency is key and never more so than on Formula 3’s dramatic first time out in Melbourne. Leonardo Fornaroli put that saying into practice as he secured back-to-back top seven finishes and added a solid 16 points to Trident's tally.

Follow the Italian racer’s thoughts throughout Round 2 of his rookie season, as he charted new territory on his debut down under at the Albert Park Circuit.

PRACTICE – P9

“The track is really, really cool to drive, it’s one my favourite tracks that I’ve driven on. The pace during all the runs we did was quite good, I’ve already found myself really comfortable with the car and the balance. Then as soon as we put the new tyres on for the last push, I just tried to do a clean lap without making any stupid mistakes and I think I did that. I’m happy with our performance, but of course there is still a lot to improve. I’m looking forward to Qualifying.

“From Turn 6 to Turn 10 is my favourite part. The circuit is really, really cool to drive, especially on the fast corners. The rear felt very light, so you have to push as hard as you can, but without over-pushing it because as soon as you lose the car you are in the wall.”

QUALIFYING – P4

“We’re P4 which is the most important thing because this is mostly a street circuit, so it’s hard to overtake. So, to be in the front for the Feature Race is the most important and then let’s focus more on the Sprint Race because I will be starting a bit further back.”

SPRINT RACE – P7

“I had quite a good start. I moved up two positions, but then the first Safety Car came out and added a couple of laps where it was difficult to warm the tyres up, especially the fronts. At every restart I was struggling a bit with the front, so maybe that’s why I lost some positions after each one. When everything was right with the temperature the car was really good and I think we had good pace.

“I’m quite happy to collect as many points as possible without any crazy fighting and stupid moves, especially with my teammate Gabriel (Bortoleto). Tomorrow we are starting at the front and that’ll be the day to collect more points because it’s the Feature Race and we’ll be working hard for it.

“I want to work a lot on warming the tyres to bring more temperature in them for every Safety Car restart because tomorrow will be even colder, I think. This will be the most important thing because with the balance I was feeling great.”

FEATURE RACE – P4

“I’m really happy, it was a really, really solid day here. There wasn’t so much action for me, it was just about trying to keep the consistency, to stay with Gabriele Minì and of course, to defend from Zak (O’Sullivan) who was really, really fast. I felt mega with the balance and with the car, so I have to say thanks to Trident for providing me with a really, really competitive car.”

UP NEXT – IN-SEASON TESTING & ROUND 3’S TRIP TO IMOLA

“I’m happy about my improvements compared to Bahrain and I think I did a really good step here in Melbourne. Now we have Imola and let’s try to continue like this."