Tsolov: ‘We were on the pace from the first lap’ after ending Jerez test fastest

After setting the fastest time of the Jerez test, Nikola Tsolov said that he was satisfied with his and Campos Racing’s efforts on the second and final day of the post-season event.

The Bulgarian driver was almost ever-present at the top of the timing screens as the field bolted on the Hard compound Pirelli tyres for fast laps in the morning segment.

Having already gone quickest of all, he found improvement on another attempt to lay down the marker of a 1:29.758 to secure the top spot.

Speaking after the chequered flag on Day 2, Tsolov said that he was satisfied with his efforts considering it was his one and only day in the car in Jerez.

“I previously worked with Campos in Formula 4 where we completely dominated the Championship, so I know the team a little bit from there and I think the environment is just as good here.

“I knew I had to adapt a little bit as I came from ART having spent two years there, but the car felt really good straight away. I was really happy with the team and how we worked, and I think I managed to prepare myself well.

“I watched plenty of video ahead of the test to be on the pace from the first lap and pretty quick, which happened. So, I’m quite happy.”

After the completion of his second FIA F3 campaign with ART Grand Prix, Tsolov had prior experience he could lean on to get up to speed as quickly as possible.

He says that it was a benefit to him but that he still had to adapt on the fly, with the afternoon session taking place in wet weather conditions.

“It does help quite a lot knowing the tyres, the Championship and all that comes with it, but I feel like I still had to experience a few things like the first time again.

“It was my first time with the team in F3, so it was a learning process too. I still have a little bit to learn of the car but so far, I’m quite happy and can tell how quick we were.

“With the afternoon in the wet, it was good to see how the car handled in those conditions, but you can never quite know for sure how it will handle compared to others because the conditions are always evolving.

READ MORE: Stenshorne happy to make F3 experience count after topping Day 1 of Jerez test

Looking at what he was able to achieve across the second day of testing, Tsolov says that he was focused on maximising his time in the car and with the Campos team.

While the combination had success together in the past, he believes that he still had some things to re-learn and thread together in order to top the test.

“I was just looking to learn how the team works. Even having worked with them in F4, they work differently in F3 so today I was getting used to some things again and seeing how the car works.

“Then it’ll be all about putting it together, which is always key.”