F3 qualifying at Silverstone: a solid, strategic Top 10
The Formula 3 weekend at Silverstone got off to a promising start for Théophile Naël. In Friday’s qualifying session, held in dry conditions, the French driver quickly found his rhythm on the legendary British track.
With a time of 1’45”522, he finished 9th on the grid for the main race, just four tenths off pole position Nikola Tsolov. This performance puts him in an excellent position for the sprint race, as he will start in 4th place thanks to the inversion of the Top 12.
Sprint race: an exceptional start… but a cruel penalty
On Saturday, under threatening skies but on a dry track, Théophile got off to a flying start from the second row. From the very first bends, he took the lead over his rivals, showing remarkable daring.
For several laps, he resisted the attacks brilliantly, waging some superb battles on a circuit with particularly strict kerbs. But as he finished 4th on the track, his performance was weighed down by a double penalty: 10 seconds for overshooting the track limits and a further 5 seconds after the race.
Final result: 19th place
A bitter setback, especially in view of his mastery at the front. But this kind of experience reinforces race management and underlines the difficulty of evolving in an increasingly competitive F3 grid.
Main race: a masterpiece in the rain, and a deserved podium finish
On Sunday, the weather changed. Pouring rain, reduced visibility, and changing conditions… but that didn’t stop Théophile.
Starting 9th, he took off perfectly and was already in 2nd position by the end of the first lap. He avoided the pitfalls, remaining consistent and precise on a track that had become a trap. Where other drivers make mistakes, Théophile manages his rain tires perfectly and maintains a steady pace.
He finished 2nd, taking his second Formula 3 podium after Melbourne, confirming his talent in extreme conditions.
Rediscover Théophile’s prodigious start and the race summary leading to this sublime podium by clicking below.
On the road to Spa-Francorchamps: a fetish circuit for Théophile Naël
With this podium finish, Théophile moves up to 7th place in the overall FIA F3 championship standings. A significant advance which rewards his hard work and that of his entire team.
Next stop: Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium. A mythical circuit, fast, technical and, above all, Théophile Naël’s favorite. It’s the ideal place to demonstrate his fluid, committed driving style.
The team is approaching this meeting with ambition and confidence. Another good result seems within reach…
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