Callum Ilott brought himself firmly back into contention for the 2016 FIA European Formula 3 Championship with a trio of top five results around the streets of Pau last weekend.
After a fifth place finish in race one, the Van Amersfoort Racing driver started on the front row for race two, and was able to claim his second podium visit of the season with a third place finish, having lost ground having been on the wetter side of the track for the start.
“I love the challenge of Pau,” says Ilott. “You’ve got to be so precise as any mistake really punishes you.
“It was so hard to get grip at the start but I just got my head down, secured a podium but most importantly, a good number of points that see me very much back in the title race.”
Ilott was not able to replicate his podium finish during Sunday’s Pau Grand Prix finale, but came close by chasing Hitech GP’s George Russell right up to the chequered flag, finishing fourth, but felt the weekend was just what the Briton needed after a tough Hungaroring weekend the round before.
“It’s been a really good weekend and the best way to bounce back after Hungary. I think we did have the pace to get more points but I’m happy we came away with three top five finishes,” adds Ilott.
“There is no rest; we race next weekend at the Red Bull Ring but I’ve got the small matter of a maths ‘A’ Level to fit in before then!”