Fortec Motorsport heads overseas this weekend [14-15 October] as the GB3 Championship returns to action at Circuit Zandvoort, Netherlands.
The Daventry-based team battled back from a difficult qualifying session to score six points finishes last time out at Brands Hatch’s Grand Prix circuit, including a near-podium from British rising star Edward Pearson.
Now he – along with team-mates Jarrod Waberski and Max Esterson – will be looking to end the 2023 campaign on a high, as the UK’s premier single-seater category kicks off the first part of a back-to-back double header to close out the season.
Known worldwide as the host venue for the Formula 1 ® Dutch Grand Prix, Zandvoort has undergone something of a renaissance in recent times.
On the coast of the North Sea and originally opened in 1948, the 2.64-mile circuit is famed for its changes in gradient and high-speed, flowing corners, including the addition of the new, steeped bank at the final corner.
Despite the relative lack of straights, overtaking opportunities can be at a premium for those brave enough to take them, with several of the circuits fast, flowing corners sat with plenty of camber. It’s a stern test of concentration and commitment for any young driver, but qualifying well will be the simplest route to a good result this time out.
This weekend, GB3 joins up with GT World Challenge Europe as part of their support bill. After three practice sessions to get dialled in on Friday, the competitive action begins on Saturday morning with qualifying at 08:00 (BST).
Two races follow later that day at 10:40 and 16:35 respectively, with a further contest on Sunday morning at 10:05. All races will be live-streamed for free via MSV TV’s YouTube channel, with further updates and breaking news across the team and championship’s social media channels.
And there’s plenty left to play for across both championships in the remaining six races; Waberski sits highest among Fortec’s trio in the Drivers’ Championship, and in a closely-matched field, could gain several places with a swing of just a few points.
Fortec look set for sixth in the Teams’ standings but will still need to be wary of the chasing pack behind – just thirteen points separates the Daventry team from their nearest rivals.
Jarrod Waberski (#20) said:
“I can’t wait to get things rolling at Zandvoort this weekend.
“We had a test there a few weeks ago, and were quite happy with our pace on what is an extremely challenging circuit.
“Hopefully we can bring back three consistent results without any bad luck – which we’ve had a bit of recently – and start clawing our way back up the championship order.”
Edward Pearson (#41) said:
“I can’t wait for Zandvoort this weekend.
“We looked good in testing, so my aim is to go out there and convert that into some solid results. I’m feeling confident in myself, and in the team, so let’s see what we can achieve.”
Max Esterson (#42) said:
“Zandvoort is a really fun circuit to drive, and after our test there a few weeks ago, I think we’re arriving in good shape.
“It’ll be interesting to see what the weather forecast does, but either way the important thing is to nail qualifying, as it’ll be tricky to overtake in the races. I’m looking forward to it.”
Oliver Dutton, Team Principal said:
“A race track by the beach – what’s not to love about Zandvoort? It’s always a great place to visit, and we’re arriving with a spring in our step after some good testing here in recent weeks.
“GB3 has been a tough old series for us this year – there’s no doubting we have three very quick drivers and a car to perform, it’s just been difficult getting ‘the lap’ in during qualifying.
“That’s going to be vital this weekend to put us in the mix. Once we’re there, I’ve no doubt the guys will do their thing, and we can have a strong weekend.”
