ADD Motorsports driver Mitchell Gilbert vowed to come back stronger after a disappointing FIA Formula 3 debut that was hampered by the worst weather he had ever competed in.

With persistent rain making visibility difficult and conditions hazardous, the Twickenham-based racer found the going tough in the opening round of the championship at Monza.

The third race on the Italian track saw just five racing laps and he was one of a number of drivers involved in incidents before it was red flagged.

But the 18-year-old from Australia could take the positives from a weekend where he did not finish in any race.

He said: It was really disappointing. The visibility was so bad in every race, the worst Ive ever had to drive in. I couldnt see anything. But in the future any normal wet conditions should feel a lot easier.

There are plenty of things to take away from the weekend though. I was in good positions in two of the races so I know I can compete.

There are things internally I have learnt, to be more patient and learn to trust the team. Everyone was still happy with the way I drove.

But one of the major things I have taken away is how important it is just to qualify. Everyone is doing anything just to get a point, but you have to make sure you qualify and then see what happens.

Despite the treacherous conditions, Mitchell was looking on course for a Top 10 place in the first race before a puncture put an end to his dreams of a brilliant debut.

He spun out in race two, again, just two laps from the finish and again with a high finish on his radar.

Race three saw the worst conditions of the weekend, starting under the safety car.

As the rain got worse, Mitchell was just one of a number of drivers involved in incidents that saw the safety car brought out again and a decision was finally made to red-flag the race and half-points awarded.

Mitchell said: In the first race I was ninth going into the first corner and was on for a good race, but I struggled for pace and then got the puncture which was really frustrating.

Then I was doing really well in the second race until I spun out.

But the whole weekend was just really difficult, it was so difficult to judge with the rain so hard and you get lots of slipstream.

Testing is next on the calendar for Mitchell before he heads to Silverstone for the next round.

He added: It was a real result to be Top 10 without being at our fastest or best and now I know I can do it and compete.

We can put things right during testing and start the whole learning process again before Silverstone.

I still feel positive after the weekend and I dont see why I cant get a podium.