Round 4 of the FIA Formula 3 Championship takes us to Monaco for the race everyone wants to win. It is considered the most prestigious prize on the calendar, thanks to its rich history, iconic setting, and uniquely challenging track layout.
There has been no time to waste since the Imola round last weekend, but the in-season test in April provided the teams with ample opportunity to prepare for the eight European rounds, which come thick and fast now through the summer months.
With that in mind, the drivers can’t wait to jump back in the car this week and translate all the learnings and performance gains from Barcelona and Imola to this most demanding of circuits. Narrow, full of elevation shifts and tight corners, it is as exacting as it is exhilarating.
Last time out, Luke Browning added 12 valuable points to his tally with a fourth-place finish. Just three points shy of the championship leader, he heads to Monaco looking to regain the advantage and return to the top of the standings as his stellar start to the season continues.
Reflecting on his Monaco debut last year, where he achieved his best qualifying result and most successful weekend of the season, narrowly missing out on the podium to Hitech’s current F2 title contender Paul Aron, Luke commented: “I think street circuits are my thing now…getting close to the limit and flirting with the barriers should be fun.”
“I’m hoping for Pole and a win hopefully. Race one is always going to be difficult to win if you’re on pole but if we can make up one or two positions and then win the Feature Race, that would be good.”
The Imola round revealed clear performance gains for Martinius Stenshorne and Cian Shields as a result of the recent Barcelona test, and both are excited to make their Monaco debut this weekend.
Hitech GP recorded last year’s Formula 3 lap record – a 1:23.278 (144.254 KM/H) – and Pole Position, at the 3.337km track.
Schedule
Thursday 23 May
13.10 Free Practice
Friday 24 May
11.05 Qualifying Session Group A
11.29 Qualifying Session Group B
Saturday 25 May
10.45 Sprint Race
(Grid set by reversing Top 12 of Qualifying results)
Sunday 26 May
08.00 Feature Race
(Grid set by Qualifying results)
(All times local)
