Round 2 Feature Race Thoughts from the Top 3

FIA Formula 3: Rafael, P1 in today's race, another race win in the Feature Race this season, from pole position, how was it from the car?

Rafael Câmara: I think it was a very good result. We were quite happy after the test, we had done a good job especially in the long runs we knew we were strong. I think we started the weekend strong in FP1 giving us some confidence for Qualifying. I think the weekend went very smooth, apart from the Sprint Race where we had an issue setting up the clutch properly. Apart from that the team did an amazing job. From my side it was quite decent. I think we just need to keep working hard, like how we have always been doing. Looking forward to the next race.

FIA Formula 3: Talking about the battle between yourself and Callum, he passes you, you fight back, he fights back again, how confident were you that you could make the move that would stick for the race?

Câmara: I think after the first try, I did a small mistake, I carried a bit too much speed in so he could do the cross back. After that I learnt, so I think it was very smooth the next one. When they started the race, I knew it was going to be fast it was a good battle, we both had respect for each other, and it was very smooth.

FIA Formula 3: What was your frame of mind going into this race after having a difficult and pointless race yesterday?

Câmara: I think it’s not a good thing to have happened. I wanted to do a clean race today as I didn’t score any points yesterday. I think together with the team, we discussed the problem in detail, we fixed it and everything went very smoothly. Quite happy, I think we just need to keep going like this and for sure we are going to be strong for the next race.

FIA Formula 3: Two rounds, two pole positions, two Feature Race wins, leading the Championship going into the third round of the season. Do you feel like you’re the man to beat at the moment?

Câmara: I think from my side I just keep the same approach, focus on my job. I’d say it’s almost perfect to start like this but there’s a long way to go. There are still eight rounds and anything can happen, I can be the fastest now, but we don’t know for the next race. I am quite confident with the team that I have, we have been doing a good job and we just need to keep going like this and we will be fighting for the Championship in the end.

FIA Formula 3: Congratulations. Callum P2 at the start, P2 at the end but that doesn’t tell the story of the race, how was it from the car?

Voisin: I think it was a strong race from us. I got a good start and the lead into Turn 1. Led for a few laps but Rafa was extremely fast behind me. It was always going to be tricky to keep him behind. I think we did a fairly good job to start but quickly he got passed me and I tried to stay in the DRS for as long as possible. I had in mind that I didn’t want to chew up my tyres too much. It was a long race of management for me, making sure I didn’t go over the cliff of the tyres. I think we managed it quite nicely. P2 is never exactly where you want to be, I want to win but I think compared to Australia it is a great step forward. I think we can be proud of this race and carry this momentum forward for the rest of the season.

FIA Formula 3: Melbourne wasn’t the ideal start to the season for sure, how critical was the in-season testing between Round 1 and Round 2, here in Bahrain.

Voisin: It was great, we learnt a lot of lessons in Australia and I wanted to apply everything that we learnt, especially because I think this years car is quite different compared to last years car to extract the maximum out of it especially in a qualifying lap. I wanted to dial out a few habits I had from last year and dial in a few new ones for this year. So far I think that’s been pretty good. For me and the team as well I think the tests were extremely useful and I think it’s been a good step forward.

FIA Formula 3: It looks like Rodin has a strong package, maybe the strongest they have ever had in F3, how excited are you going into the third round in a few weeks?

Voisin: I am extremely excited about it. I think we have a good amount of momentum I am working well with the team. Being with them last year is a great benefit, it was a tough start last year but we kept working harder and harder and in the end, we got there by getting a win and another podium. I’m very much looking forward to the rest of the season. The team has done an amazing job and the cars been performing well. All eyes forward.

FIA Formula 3: Thank you, good job. Tim P13 to P3 and on the podium in the Feature Race, were you expecting this?

Tim Tramnitz: Actually I watched a lot of races in the last two days after a difficult quali, to see where it is good to overtake, things other drivers have tried in the past and worked well. So that was definitely a help. I was aiming for a top five finish, the same as yesterday I was aiming for a top five. To come away with P3 is a very good Sunday for us, considering the bad quali we had. That’s the main thing we have to work on, I think the race craft is very strong. Just the qualifying we need to improve and then we are up there.

FIA Formula 3: Charging through the field from P13 on a track that is not very nice to the tyres, how difficult was it to pick your way through and also manage the tyres?

Tramnitz: Especially at the beginning it was quite difficult. Even the guys that were on used tyres were pushing quite a lot. At that point you aren’t really sure if it is just pure speed from them. Or if they can carry the momentum until the end. For me it was about focusing on myself and doing what I spoke about with the team before in terms of tyre management. And it turned out to work quite well. Especially mid-to-end of the race, the saving at the beginning paid off and then it was just about driving clean and losing the least amount of time possible on the overtakes.

FIA Formula 3: What will you take from today’s race that will be useful for the rest of the season?

Tramnitz: A lot of confidence, coming through the field like that is not always easy especially when you are in the mid pack at the start. It’s always quite heated and close, you have to manage to get through without any incidents. I think again, same as in Melbourne we showed that, especially in the dry, the race craft is quite strong. Now it’s on me to do a better job on Fridays in Quali.

FIA Formula 3: Thank you, well done for today.