Taponen reflects on ‘satisfying’ end to the season after victory in Madrid

Tuukka Taponen claimed his maiden FIA Formula 3 victory in the Madrid Feature Race 2 – and that earned him third place in the Drivers’ Championship.

The MP Motorsport driver had a great final round, finishing third in Qualifying 1 and taking pole position in Qualifying 2.

Taponen would convert that into a podium in Feature Race 1 and held off champion Ugo Ugochukwu in Feature Race 2 to take the victory.

Speaking at the end of the weekend, the Finnish driver says staying ahead of his Campos Racing rival was vital to the victory.

“It was a good start,” said Taponen. “I thought about it last night that I really want to focus on the start. I wanted to make sure I was ready.

“Everyone starting on the grid knew that was crucial because overtaking is difficult later on. It was a good start, and after that, I controlled and managed the race. I picked up the pace when needed. In the end, I built up a gap to Ugo.

“Overtaking is hard, so I wasn't too worried. I focused on sector one and sector two, then shifted focus slightly to sector three to build a gap for sector one.

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“Turn 5 is the main overtaking opportunity which is very tricky. I made sure not to make any major mistakes. Eventually, I opened up enough of a gap, so I wasn't worried.”

“But it’s a great achievement. Of course, not every Finn has reached this point, so I’m happy to have won.”

This victory rocketed up to third in the Drivers’ Standings, and after going through the first half of the season with 18 points, a spectacular end to the campaign sees him finish the year with 109.

“It started off looking very bad,” he admitted. “We didn't score points in the first four or five rounds or barely any anyway.

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“But then I scored a lot of points towards the end. I wasn't even happy with the points in Budapest and Monza, but in the end, it didn't matter.

“So, it is satisfying. The team did a great job, they gave me a car I can fight with. I showed what I’m capable of. I’m very happy about it.”