Van Hoepen aiming to keep podium streak going after strong opening to 2024

Two race weekends down and it’s two podiums for ART Grand Prix rookie Laurens van Hoepen, but the Dutch driver isn’t resting on his previous results.

Arriving at Imola, van Hoepen sits eighth in the Drivers’ Championship having secured P2 and P3 in the Sprint Races of Sakhir and Melbourne respectively.

Following in-season testing in Barcelona that split Rounds 2 and 3, the ART driver is confident that he and the team can continue to build on their bright start.

“It’s nice to be back here. I think a lot of people have raced here in general at least once at some point in their careers, and last year post-season testing was here, so everyone’s kind of on the same level of running.

“During testing, we tried a lot of stuff which was nice, so it's good to have some driving time in between the races because it was a really long break. I’m very excited to be back racing this weekend and can't wait to get started.

“Already having a podium makes a big difference. It’s like a load off your shoulders because you want to get to that point. So that's one thing less to worry about. Now I can just focus on doing the job at hand and be ready to maximise.”

Just behind teammate Christian Mansell in the Standings, the Dutch driver says that he now has the confidence in both him and his team to push on and score regular points finishes. As the upcoming rounds follow one another in quick order, momentum is even more valuable.

Van Hoepen explains that despite making such a solid start to life in Formula 3, there is more performance on the table, especially after the three days of Barcelona testing.

“You always feel when you're quick and when you're not, especially after testing. I know I felt quite quick in pre-season testing and I think that really progressed into race one where I think the speed was quite good. I didn't really maximise everything I wanted to, but still to come away with a podium was very nice.

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“Then to continue that run with another podium in Melbourne was very good. And that gives you a lot of confidence for the rest of the season.

“I think there's still room for improvement from both sides - me and the team. So, we’re very much looking forward to making sure that we actually get the maximum out of things here and really start targeting poles positions and race wins.”

After two flyaway rounds to kick off the campaign, the Championship lands back on European shores and a familiar venue for the majority of the grid.

It will likely make things even closer than before, with everyone well versed around the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari.

Its old-school layout requires absolute commitment to the limit says van Hoepen, though he added that finding the balance will be even trickier this year after changes around the track.

“I think just being able to be on the limit, even though it's quite tricky to be able to, especially because one mistake really does affect you here, especially with the new gravel that they put in.

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“There are new gravel traps outside of Turn 9 and at the Acque Minerali which wasn't there before. So now you have to be even more careful, but I think just put the one lap together, do that together and not make too many mistakes.”

Asked what he’d be happy with in Imola, the ART driver was giving little away, though he made clear that points will be important to keep up his positive start to 2024.

“I’d be happy with scoring some points and doing a good job. It’s difficult to say what the minimum expectations are, but I want to do a good race, and make sure I get those points.”