FIRST IMPRESSIONS: What the drivers thought of the Madring

With two days of testing in the books, many miles and plenty of data accumulated, we asked the drivers what they thought of the brand-new Madring circuit ahead of its full debut next month.

Overall, it looks to be one of the biggest tests on the racing calendar, blending high-speed demand for full commitment with a need for absolute precision and a bit of bravery too.

Here is what the F3 drivers thought after two days of on-track running.

Freddie Slater – TRIDENT

“Honestly, what an incredible track. It's probably my favourite on the calendar. It's old school, it's got character, it's a really enjoyable track to drive, lots of little bumps you have to get right, very committed in high-speed corners, and one of the most enjoyable of the season. So I'm really enjoying it.”

Mattia Colnaghi – MP Motorsport

“Quite an interesting track, a bit of a street circuit, it can be compared to Melbourne but overall it's quite interesting and there something different in each of the sectors. I think it's going to be an interesting weekend.”

Pedro Clerot – Rodin Motorsport

“Fun track to drive, but very tricky. At the moment it’s still very low grip, but I'm having fun so far. Just getting to know the walls a little bit better, getting to the limit a bit more, but overall, quite fun.”

Ugo Ugochukwu – Campos Racing

“It’s an unbelievable circuit to be honest. We just finished Day 2 morning which was focused on all the qualifying runs and it's a very nice feeling when you get it right and the lap hooked up. I'm definitely going to enjoy it, and I'm sure it's going to be a great weekend.”

Tuukka Taponen – MP Motorsport

“It’s super difficult, also quite physical. On the long runs, it’s not easy. I’d say it’s one of the most difficult tracks I’ve ever driven, but still quite fun and flowing when you get into a rhythm.”

Kanato Le – ART Grand Prix

“I think it's quite a cool track, super close to the walls, and you have to be quite on the edge, but it's really fun to drive, and I think the race weekend it will be pretty close.”

READ MORE

• Ugochukwu optimistic heading into title-deciding races after topping Madrid test
• Slater thriving around ‘old-school’ Madring track after topping Day 1 of testing
• Ugo Ugochukwu finishes Madring test fastest for Campos Racing

Ernesto Rivera – Campos Racing

“It's very tricky. I mean, it's very close to the walls, especially on the exits. La Monumental is super fun as well, you can feel the compression through the corner.”

Hiyu Yamakoshi – Van Amersfoort Racing

“It's quite similar to Macau, but this track is more tricky. I think it's really difficult to put everything together, but as always, the most important thing will be qualifying and keeping it clean.”

Alessandro Giusti – MP Motorsport

“It's been good, it's fun. It's a track that no one knows, so it's quite good to get up to speed, and there are a lot of different lines, different ways to arrive into the corners, so it's really cool.”