After an impressive performance at the Hungaroring last weekend which saw Olli take podium finishes in all three races, it’s now the turn of the Red Bull Ring for round four of the Formula Regional European Championship this weekend. Now up to third in the championship and with four podiums to his name Olli will be looking to claim a win he came so close taking in the final race last week.
Having visited the track just once before with the ADAC F4 Championship Olli doesn’t have a huge amount of experience at the Austrian circuit but that did not appear to hinder him on his debut in Hungary last week. At 4.3km in length, the eight corners are joined by lengthy straights and high speed corners with heavy braking zones providing big overtaking opportunities at turns one, two and three.
Whilst the racing should be close, the Red Bull Ring is a circuit that can heavily punish you as a driver in certain areas. Turns three, four and five will see you greeted with a gravel trap should you run wide, something that can be a rare sight in modern motorsport. It also means getting the most out of a qualifying lap will require some risks to be taken, but after his strong qualifying performance last week Olli will certainly be a firm challenger for pole position.
Although starting on pole is not necessary around the Red Bull Ring a good start from the front could see the possibility of an early break and with Olli’s start issues from Hungary now fully ironed out he’ll be looking to stamp his authority on this weekend early doors.
Last weekend’s results gave Olli a much needed boost up to third in the standings. Having been on the wrong end of some bad luck in Paul Ricard and with an eighth place in Vallelunga it was much needed for the Brits title hopes. With a round dropped he now comes right in to play and it will have given him all the confidence in the World to move up to the top step of the podium this weekend.
To make things even more exciting it is set to be wet on Saturday and Sunday which could completely throw out the form books. Having developed his craft in the UK Olli is no stranger to racing in the wet and would certainly welcome the conditions for this weekend.
Olli Caldwell: “I’m really excited to be back here at the Red Bull Ring this weekend. Hungary was a great round for us and gave us the good haul of points we needed at this early stage of the season. It was a shame we just missed out on a win last week, but I’m feeling very confident after the pace we showed in all three races and it’s the top step I will be aiming for this weekend!”
All three races will be streamed live on - http://www.f3regional.com/STREAMING
Timetable (local time):
Friday
Free Practice 1 - 09:20 (40 mins)
Free Practice 2 - 14:45
Saturday
Qualifying Practice - 10:30 (2x 15 minute sessions)
Race One - 17:00 (28 mins + 1 lap)
Sunday
Race Two - 09:40
Race Three - 16:10