Formula Master ended its inaugural season with an action-packed weekend in Monza, which saw Italy’s Luca Persiani, driving for Scuderia Famà, claim his first podium and best finish of the season, a third place in Round 15.

The 23-year-old was at the top of the times for much of the weekend, whether in free practice, warm-up or qualifying, and considers this the best possible way to end the season.Persiani claims his first podiumLuca Persiani, 23, Scuderia Famà

“This weekend has been great for me. The car was perfect and when you have no problems, you can do what you do best. You feel better each time on the track and it helps to go faster.

“You are able to race with a free mind, instead of being busy thinking of the problems of the weekend. Here in Monza, we are able to stay in the top three much of the time which is great. The car has been so good whether it’s cold or hot conditions.

“For sure we have improved a lot this year and now everything is right, which makes it almost easy to do well! This is my home race so I really wanted to do well. There is more pressure because I have people here but on the other side, it’s good to have support.

“The trick is to approach everything like it’s a normal weekend and then I can stay relaxed. Even on the grid for race one, I felt calm. I was excited but not nervous. When the car is going so well too, you don’t want to take big risks; you want to do your best and concentrate without going over the limit of the car or yourself because you always end up with a slower time!”