After a strong showing during GP3 pre-season testing in Estoril last week, Carlin driver Mitch Gilbert says he’s feeling confident and can’t wait to get the new season under way.
Gilbert, who drove for half a season with Trident in 2014, is raring to go with his new team and is hoping that with the addition of a new personal trainer he has all the tools at his disposal to have a successful season.
“We’ve been working non-stop to make sure we hit the ground running,” said Gilbert.
“It’s a totally different atmosphere here with Carlin. They want to be first, they have a winning formula and they get it across to the drivers.
“It’s very new for me, but it makes you feel you’re going to win before you even get behind the wheel.”
On his new fitness regime Gilbert added: “I’ve also changed my trainer and I feel fitter than I ever have – It all means I’m in really good shape and can’t wait for the season to get going!”
Gilbert topped the timesheets during the afternoon session of the final day of testing in Portugal and is hoping he can take that speed, and confidence into the new season and the next pre-season test in Valencia in April.
“We were one of a large group of drivers who saved a set of tyres until the last session and we came in, in a real quick time,” said Gilbert.
“We then had to wait about three hours for everyone else to come in before finding out where we placed.
“It’s been a really long time since I topped a session so it’s given me a boost.
He added: “It is nice to finally get the disappointing last couple of years well and truly behind me and be able to look ahead with real belief.”
As confident as Gilbert is with his new team and with his pace at pre-season testing he is refusing to get ahead of himself.
He said: “I’m not setting myself any goals this year, I want to take one race at a time. But after Estoril, I’m looking forward to the season even more.”