Rodin Carlin’s John Bennett was one of the first drivers to confirm his place on the grid for the 2023 GB3 Championship, and the British youngster has since accrued plenty of mileage with his new team.
Having taken his first podium at the end of his debut GB3 campaign last year, he’s looking forward to the new season with plenty of confidence.
“I’m really looking forward to it, I’m staying in the championship so that’s good as I know the car and tracks,” he commented.
“I’ve been working with Rodin Carlin over the winter and it’s been going really well so I can’t wait.”
The Surrey-based squad are serial winners in GB3 and its predecessor BRDC British F3, having taken titles in 2017, 2019, 2020 and 2021. He’s hoping that pedigree can push him to the next level in his second season.
“Their history speaks for itself really, how many times they’ve won this championship and others. It’s just down to me really to do the business in the season.
“It’s always easier being a second year driver, you know the car and the tracks, and the experience should help me. But it will still be a challenge, there’s lots of talent on the grid, so it should be a really competitive year.”
Bennett highlights the busy grid, with 24 drivers already confirmed with over three weeks remaining until the Oulton Park season opener. Despite that level of competition, he’s aiming for top results at each of the eight events in 2023.
“I will be aiming to win really at every round. That’s got to be the goal but at least be on the podium at every round and sustaining the momentum from the end of last season.
“I made really good progress last year, moving up a couple of positions every weekend, so I think we should be in a good place at the start of this year.
“It’s a super competitive grid this year, you’ve got Matthew Rees and Max Esterson, Alex Dunne coming in from F4, Joseph Loake as well, but there’s loads of competition and it should be really exciting.”
He’s hoping that should his plans for the season come off, he can continue to move up the ladder towards F1 in the coming seasons.
“F3 is the goal, that’s where I’d be and climbing the F1 ladder obviously, so that would be the next step for me if it’s possible at the end of the year.”