Carlin’s Javier Sagrera has enjoyed a big upturn in pace in the recent GB3 rounds at Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone, and the Spaniard expects to be in the fight towards the sharp end of the grid for the rest of the year.
A difficult start to the year saw the sophomore contender register three retirements in the first nine races, but a first podium of the season at Snetterton seems to have been the springboard to further improvements in pace at the two Grands Prix circuits. He admits the improved speed has been the result of a lot of hard work behind the scenes.
“It has taken a lot of patience and understanding of what the problem was, and adapting everything as best I could with myself to gain more pace. We’ve also done a lot of work on the sum due to limited track time”, he said.
That led to him qualifying just half a tenth away from a maiden pole position at Silverstone, and Sagrera is now optimistic of a regular fight at the front for the rest of the year.
“That is and will by my goal approaching each session. I think now that everything is getting back to place and my confidence is back, I feel competitive enough to fight for the top step.”
He acknowledges the assistance from his Carlin team as being another big factor in his improvements.
“I think that’s their strongest aspect; working with their drivers and eventually developing them to be as best as possible.”
Sagrera is aiming to score big points in the final six races, but admits he’s not looking at potential finishing places in the standings.
“The standings is a thing that I’ve tried not to look into anymore, and what is best for me is to look at it race by race, and it will come to me.”
As for future plans, the Spaniard isn’t looking too far ahead just yet.
“My 2023 plans are still unsure. My main aim is to finish this season as best as possible to get me ready for what could come next year.”