Carlin’s Felipe Nasr took an emphatic lead over his rivals in first practice ahead of Rounds 16-18 of the 2011 Cooper Tyres British Formula 3 International Series at the Paul Ricard circuit in France. Despite having never driven the track before, Nasr topped the timesheets a full 6 tenths ahead of nearest challengers Antonio Felix Da Costa and Kevin Magnussen.
The Brazilian was just a whisker away from dipping under the 2:01 barrier, and ominously for his rivals, feels there is more speed to come later in the weekend. “The track is still a little bit 'green'; maybe with more rubber down it may get a little quicker, but it will be hotter later also, so we will have to see. This is my first time at Paul Ricard and it is an amazing track – so much run-off, fast corners, long straights. It is perfect for Formula 3.”
Jack Harvey posted the 4th fastest time for Carlin, ahead of Fortec’s William Buller. Rupert Svendsen-Cook was 6th and was the last of the competitors to get into the 2:01s.
The session also marked Bart Hylkema’s International Series debut after T-Sport promoted the Dutchman to the leading class after dominating the Rookie Class all season. He set the 16th fastest time, making him 2nd fastest T-Sport runner. Overall, he was happy with his performance: “I tested a Volkswagen-powered Dallara last October so I sort of knew what to expect; things are going well and I was 11th when I was on old tyres, so I am pleased.”
Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series
Free Practice 1, Paul Ricard FRA / 15/7/2011
Championship class
1 Felipe NASR / BRA, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.073s
2 Antonio Felix da COSTA / POR, Hitech Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.624s
3 Kevin MAGNUSSEN / DEN, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.772s
4 Jack HARVEY / GBR, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.816s
5 William BULLER /GBR, Fortec Dallara-Mercedes 2m 01.914s
6 Rupert SVENDSEN-COOK / GBR, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 01.989s
7 Carlos HUERTAS / COL, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 02.051s
8 Pietro FANTIN / BRA, Hitech Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 02.104s
9 Harry TINCKNELL / GBR, Fortec Dallara-Mercedes 2m 02.805s
10 Jazeman JAAFAR / MAS, Carlin Dallara-Volkswagen 2m 02.843s etc
Rookie class
1 Kotaro SAKURAI / JPN, Hitech Dallara-Mugen Honda 2m 06.765s
Full timesheets