After a lengthy two-month break, this weekend sees the long-awaited return of the Formula Regional European Championship which heads to the Hungaroring for round three. It feels like an age since Olli was last out for round two back at the start of May, but two rounds in as many weekends are set to get the season back in full flow. Coming into this weekend Olli sits fifth in the standings having scored a podium at Vallelunga last time out.
The Hungaroring has become a famous circuit in Motorsport since opening in 1986. It was immediately added to the Formula One calendar and has never left since so it is particularly admired by single seater fans. It now sits at 4.3km in length and its variety of corners will provide plenty of challenges for the field.
Olli did have a chance to get himself up to speed with the layout a couple of weeks ago in a collective test which saw Olli go fifth fastest. With second place, just under two tenths ahead the racing is expected to be very close this weekend!
As previously mentioned this will be Olli’s debut at the Hungaroring which has been a challenge he has often had to face since focusing his attention to European racing. During his campaigns whilst racing in Italian and ADAC F4 Olli would have to adjust to a new circuit every race and that experience will certainly need to be called on this weekend. With the Hungaroring also being used for championships that Olli is aiming to race in later in his career, it is going to be a great experience for the young Brit.
In terms of the season so far, despite this being his first year in the F3 class Olli was off to a fast start back at the season opener in April. Two fourth’s were accompanied by a win on track in race two which was a great boost of confidence for the Prema driver heading into the rest of the season.
A difficult qualifying in round two saw Olli have a frustrating first race before taking a podium in race two. With race three cancelled due to adverse weather conditions Olli remained fifth in the championship and in a close fight for third in the standings.
And it is points that Olli will be chasing this weekend. With no previous at Budapest he’ll be looking to make his first trip a successful one on a track that could be argued as the toughest on the calendar.
Olli Caldwell: “It’s great to be here at Budapest after a long break. Hungaroring is a super cool track and I can’t wait to race it! I will be looking for more wins and points for the championship!”
All three races will be streamed live on - http://www.f3regional.com/STREAMING
Timetable (local time):
Friday
Free Practice 1 - 12:11 (40 mins)
Free Practice 2 - 16:22
Saturday
Qualifying Practice - 09:50 (2x 15 minute sessions)
Race One - 13:50 (28 mins + 1 lap)
Sunday
Race Two - 11:30
Race Three - 16:40