Round four of the Formula 3 season headed to the glamorous streets of Monaco for the third year in a row. The weekend’s action kicked off early on Thursday with a free practice session – and it did not disappoint.
Building confidence around the tight corners, Tim Tramnitz was the first to set a benchmark time of 1:36.685, as MP Motorsport initially secured the top three spots. However, the competition quickly intensified, and just a few minutes later, drivers were setting laps in the 1:27 range – with Tramnitz once again leading the way.
Rafael Camara wore a special helmet in tribute to Ayrton Senna, the King of Monaco, who, 30 years on, still holds the title of the most successful driver around the circuit, with six victories, eight podiums, and five pole positions achieved in just 10 races. Hoping to follow in his legacy, the fellow Brazilian and current championship leader – who had never driven around the circuit before – finished the session in P4.
Halfway through the session, the medium tyres got to go as the drivers started their qualifying simulations on the softer compound in preparation for tomorrow. With pole position being converted into a win 100% of the time in Formula 3, these laps were crucial for the drivers to get a feel for the tyres and the grip they provide.
Lap times dropped rapidly as everyone pushed to the limit. With only 11 minutes remaining on the clock, the tight streets of Monaco claimed their first victim. A red flag stopped the session after Noah Strømsted crashed at the exit of the pit lane, carrying too much speed and sliding into the wall. Missing out on any qualifying laps will make tomorrow significantly more difficult for the Danish driver.
With six minutes to go, the green flag waved, kicking off the fight for track position and competitive lap times. Traffic had been a major issue throughout the session and continued to play a role in the final minutes. As the chequered flag flew, Nikola Tsolov jumped to the top of the timesheets with a time of 1:25.622, showcasing his experience and impressive pace.
Formula 3 is done for the day but already gearing up for more action this weekend. With a special qualifying format that divides the grid into two groups, each will have 16 minutes to set their fastest lap in the battle for one of the most crucial pole positions of the season. The session is sure to be incredibly close, so make sure to tune in.