Latest Episode | Cut To The Race Podcast
After locking out the front row, FormulaNerds caught up with Trident drivers Fornaroli and Goethe. The pair shared their thoughts on the team’s performance and set out their goals for the weekend ahead.
Leonardo Fornaroli took his maiden pole position in Friday’s qualifying session. (Image credit: Last Word on Sports)After showing early signs of competitive pace in the practice session, qualifying was ruled by the Trident drivers. Leonardo Fornaroli took home his first pole position; Oliver Goethe claimed P2 to complete the front row.
A 1-2 for the team was then rounded out by a P5 start for championship leader Gabriel Bortoleto, putting Trident in excellent standing ahead of the sprint and feature races.
Converting potential in pole position
Trident’s car was – in Leonardo Fornaroli’s words – “mega”. Fornaroli said he felt “comfortable” with both the car and the track in free practice. Preparation on the simulator put the Italian driver on the right path, leaving him feeling “ready for this weekend”.
After free practice, it became clear quite how strong Trident’s car might be around Silverstone. “After free practice, I knew that the potential was high,” said Fornaroli.
????? ?????! ??
What a day for the young Italian, in only his Rookie season! ?#BritishGP #F3 pic.twitter.com/cDbALgzKpr
— Formula 3 (@Formula3) July 7, 2023
“So we went in quali, already with the fresh tyres we were on P7 or 6,” he continued, “I knew that wasn’t it. With the last two sets of tyres we did a mega job, me and the team.”
“Unfortunately, I lost a little bit on the last sector,” Fornaroli added, “But it was enough to be on pole. I want to thank Trident for the mega car today.”
An “amazing” feeling
Whilst Fornaroli looked strong from the get-go, qualifying saw a marked change of form for Oliver Goethe. A P16 finish in Friday morning’s practice session became second on the starting grid, with Goethe just a tenth off of teammate Leonardo Fornaroli.
“It was nice, the track felt fast, the car felt fast,” said Goethe. “It was really hot actually – for once in England! – like, really sunny, so yeah the tyres overheat pretty quickly. But the conditions were good, the car was good, and I managed to put a lap together so I’m really happy.”
“It’s an amazing feeling,” the German driver enthused. “I love this track, first of all. First time in Silverstone… it feels amazing. It’s probably my favourite track right now to be honest, it’s a great feeling.”
A front row start at Silverstone is a special triumph for Goethe, and one that carries with it sentimental value. “It’s my first race in England,” said the Trident driver. He elaborated:
“I was born here, so it feels a bit like home. That’s a good feeling.”
Fornaroli was equally enthusiastic about racing at Silverstone. “I’m very happy to be on pole here at Silverstone because it’s one of my favourite tracks,” shared the Italian.
Hopes for the weekend
The Italian team goes into the remainder of the weekend in an excellent position. The top five is three-fifths Trident, their pace is strong; it seems the odds are tipping mightily in their favour.
Though now a Formula 3 polesitter, Fornaroli remains pragmatic. “For sure, I want to win and also the team want me to be P1,” said Fornaroli, before adding:
“I think it will be important this weekend to collect as many points as possible without doing any stupid mistakes.”
Goethe echoed his teammate, emphasising the need for a solid points haul — but he also acknowledged that they’re on track to achieve even more than that.
“Tomorrow will be interesting, I’m still not sure whether it will be wet or dry, we’ll see I guess,” said Goethe. The famously temperamental British weather remains a variable factor for Saturday. Goethe isn’t in any way dissuaded by that, though.
“Either way, I’m going to try to make up some positions,” he added confidently. “Starting P11 the main focus is to get some points, to get a feel for how the tyres react in the race. To finish a race is important.”
Points are important, but a podium’s pretty nice, too. Oliver Goethe’s confident that he can take one for the team.
“Hopefully the top step,” he said. “That’s the goal. Starting from second it’s very possible.”
Featured Image Credit: Formula 3 on Twitter