FDA - Raffaele Marciello with the”big boys” of Formula 3
This coming weekend will be a very special one for Raffaele Marciello. For the first time in his still short career in single-seaters, the 16 year old Ferrari Driver Academy student will take on a Formula 3 challenge which sees him leave his familiar stomping ground of the Italian series.The Spa circuit will be hosting a round of the British Formula 3 championship, but the reality is that it is on the calendar as one of the events that counts towards the FIA Formula 3 Trophy, which means it will also feature competitors from the F3 Euro Series.
In fact, Belgium will see all the key Formula 3 players from around the world in action. Marciello is entered by Prema, the team that runs him in the Italian championship, given that apart from that, it is also involved in the Euro series. So, we caught up with “Lello” as the driver is known, before he sets off for this important event.
You have chosen a pretty tough baptism into the world of Formula 3 outside Italy
“It’s true that the best drivers from the main Formula 3 championships will be on track, all of them with rather more experience than me. But I’m calm about it and I do have some plus points on my side: I know the track, the team is my usual one and I will be able to call on the experience in the European championship of my two team-mates, Merhi and Juncadello. They will be a good benchmark for me, as they are both very strong and this year they have won several Euro Series races.”
What do you expect to get out of this experience?
“I don’t think I’ve ever packed my bags to set off for a race thinking I cannot win. One way or another, a driver always thinks he can. Then, there’s the logical conclusion that it will be a great weekend, even if it will be very tough. My main aim is to gain experience from it. Realistically, I hope I can be in the first eight, which would be a great result.”
Is there one aspect, one special element or situation that scares you more than another?
“The main obstacle I will have to overcome is my lack of experience with the tyres, the Cooper which are used in the British championship. As the English drivers will also be on track, I think they will have a not insignificant advantage. Everyone else will have to adapt quickly and that will be the very first exam to pass.”
You recently had a first test session in the car you will drive in Spa, of course in the specification that matches the regulations for the international Formula 3 series. How different is it to the car you usually use in the Italian series?
“I had a first test at the Fiorano circuit and it was very useful. The differences are quite noticeable, because the engine’s power curve is different, the overall weight of the car is not the same and of course there are the tyres. You have to find a different feel for the car, but I’m not concerned by this and it is actually one of the reasons I am going to Spa.”
Credit: Ferrari S.p.A. (www.ferrari.com)
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