Macanese F3 driver Rodolfo Avila recently completed a total of four test days in preparation for the 2006 British F3 season. The opening rounds are scheduled to take place at Oulton Park on Easter Monday, the 17th of April. The event marks Avila’s debut in the world of high level Formula 3 competition in Europe.
Completing over 150 laps around Snetterton, a circuit he has never driven on, Avila relates being extremely happy with the result. Performance Racing Europe’s professional advice proved invaluable as he managed to register more than decent clocking.
“Things are looking good as I managed to clock in laptimes identical to my National Class opponents at a track that I’ve previously never driven on. I still have so much to learn and with more track time, we can expect further improvement. I believe we could achieve even better results as the season gets underway. I’m really enjoying this challenging experience”, commented the 19-year old Avila.
Following two complete test days at Snetterton, Avila moved to Croft for a further 2 days of development. However, the test fell short of ideal as torrential rains and foul weather hampered any attempts to produce even just respectable laptimes. Less than 50 laps were completed before the team decided to pack up after lunch of the second day.
“It wouldn’t have been a bad idea to have stayed home”, joked the mild-mannered Avila. “The rain was just too much on those two days. The team decided to cancel the afternoon as the conditions were no longer conclusive for a productive, let alone a safe test. At least with the few laps I did, it further exposed me to such harsh condition – something that we don’t normally have back in Asia,” concluded the driver bearing the youngest hope of Macanese motorsports
The next test is scheduled at Silverstone on March 22nd in line with the media launch of the series. The test is likewise considered to be a good opportunity for Avila to present his sponsors, namely: Macau Government, Hotel Fortuna, Macau-Slot.com, CESL-Asia, BNU, Tong Lei, Profabril Asia Consult, RP Macau, CTM, Tsingtao Beer, Fat Siu Lai Restaurant and PT Asia – to the British media and race fans.
