Jake Hughes produced an impressive performance in his maiden outing in Formula 3 machinery at Valencia yesterday (17 December), a test outing given to him as part of his prize for winning the 2013 BRDC Formula 4 Championship.
The 19 year old ran in a Dallara F308 machine prepared by F3 power-team Carlin, enjoying four one hour sessions at the wheel.
The McLaren Autosport BRDC Award finalists completed over 90 laps, with his best time of 1m 26.637s being quicker than the three most recent pole position times set at the venue during F3 Euroseries rounds.
“That was one of the best experiences of my life, the car is unbelievable,” said Hughes.
“I managed to build up my speed well throughout the day and set my quickest time right at the end. I’ve learned so much from the experience and feel I’m a better driver for it already. I’m so appreciative of Carlin for their help and efforts, I can’t thank them enough. Hopefully I can take this experience and what I’ve learned today into 2014.”
“Jake did a great job today,” added Carlin team principal Trevor Carlin. “Throughout the day he did everything he was told and accepted any advice to go quicker and quicker and asked the right questions at the right time. He found some more time at the end of the day and pulled everything he’d learnt together. It was a pleasure to have him in the car today and I think he can be proud of his performance.”