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Taito Kato aiming to carry test momentum into Monte Carlo weekend
ART Grand Prix rookie Taito Kato says he is feeling very confident heading into Round 2 and is eager to get back to racing.
The Japanese driver topped the in-season test around Spielberg last month and believes he and ART can use that to set themselves up for a positive weekend around the Principality.
Speaking ahead of the weekend getting started, Kato said he had been hard at work to prepare for the second round of the season and what will be his maiden outing in Monte Carlo.
“It's been quite a while since Melbourne and I think it's always difficult to adjust after that long, but I was doing quite well in the in-season test, in Spielberg. I got a few runs in, and the car feels really good as well.
“Finally, back to being in the car as well helped me a lot, because I didn't drive any car in two months. So, I think having that test was a big help to get my feeling in the car back.
“Formula 3, it's always really difficult to adjust to the cornering speed and so much downforce. But I was doing a lot of preparation in the break, simulator, physical prep too, always doing a lot. But it's always good to be back.
“It’s my first ever time in Monaco, everyone says driving in Monaco is a special feeling, so I can't wait to drive.”
After finishing the two-day test fastest overall, Kato admitted that he and the team are carrying a great deal of confidence into Round 2.
While the Red Bull Ring and Monte Carlo streets aren’t identical, Kato says that it was good preparation regardless, and important for the team after not racing since Melbourne.
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“To be honest, we have quite a lot of confidence,” he said. “I think we can fight for the top five because the car was really good and the team did a really good job so far.
“There are no second-year drivers, so no experience at all in the team, but we are doing pretty well so far.
“So, I think we have quite a good level of confidence for the rest of the season. ART have a lot of data, so, I think it's helping a lot for me. Especially as there's not so much on-track time in Formula 3.
“You only get 45 minutes in the Practice and then go to Qualifying. So, we have to take as much as we can from the data.”
Specifically for Monaco, Kato says he is expecting to be in the fight for the top spots on Friday in Qualifying and from there, he will be targeting points scoring results in order to put himself in the strongest position as the season gets busy over the summer.
“For sure, my target is getting a win, but it's not so easy, to be honest. Formula 3 is always a high level of competition and really tight in the qualifying as well.
“So, I think my target is really consistent results. I think we'll gain some points this weekend and then just focus on the championship going forward.”