Mitch Gilbert is looking forward to the first race of the season – as he counts down the days until the GP3 Series gets underway.
The 20-year-old Australian begins his assault on the championship in Barcelona this week with Carlin, and after quickly settling into life with his new team, the ADD Motorsports-supported driver hopes to spring a few surprises along the way.
The Twickenham racer said: “I’m really excited, I can’t wait to get going. I’m looking forward to just getting out there now, so the talking can stop and the driving can start!”
A busy and productive winter saw Mitch sign to Carlin after moving to Trident mid-way through last season, meaning he got a full pre-season with the team this time around. A new personal trainer and exciting new sponsorship deals with Prince Lubricants and Swiss Watch brand Cecil Purnell leaves Mitch in a strong position for
the year to come.
However, testing in pre-season hasn’t been without its hitches.
He topped the timesheet in the final session of the first official test in Estoril. But the team tried something different in Valencia that didn’t quite work as planned - although the driver still managed to finish second fastest on one of
the afternoons.
The final test at Barcelona was frustrating with gearbox problems. But despite the minor set-backs, Mitch is confident the team will be ready next week.And he hopes he will have something extra to celebrate – along with his 21st birthday that takes place during the weekend’s racing!
He added: “Everyone has been working flat out behind the scenes to get everything right and it’s better that these things are tried and changed during the tests.
“It was a bit frustrating not getting a full two days in Barcelona, but these things happen.Now there are a few more training sessions, some more simulator work and final preparations before we set off. It would be nice to be able to come away from the weekend and have something more to celebrate on top of my birthday!”
The GP3 Series takes place between 8-10 May at Circuit de Barcelona.
