Confident Jon Lancaster ains for French glory

British racer Jon Lancaster hopes that his stunning pace last time out, which netted him the fastest lap in the race, will continue into this weekend’s rounds of the Formula 3 Euroseries at Le Mans. Although the 19 year-old has not raced at the classic French track, he has tested there previously in Formula Renault and now aims to take his first pole position in the crucial qualifying session.

The F3 rookie is currently second in the rookies standings, just four points adrift of the leader, and the best of the British drivers who are all in their second or third season in F3. Now the Multiflight-backed teenager will be going all out to retake the lead in the newcomers stakes, contested by 11 first-year drivers, that he held up to the last round in Spain.

"My main focus is on clinching the rookie cup now and retaining the mantle of being the best of the British runners. This year’s championship has been the closest ever, with often the top 20 separated by a second and sometimes the whole field. Around a third of the drivers are in only their first year in F3 so to be the best of those would be good."

Despite being one of the new guys, Jon has often shown a tremendous pace as he gets to grips with the ART Grand Prix Team Dallara F308 which has netted him three podium finishes in F3, including a faultless run to victory at the Nürburgring and third place in Pau back in May. In the penultimate rounds this weekend, the BRDC Superstar is aiming to kick start the event in Thursday’s official free practice with a return to the form that has seen him easily amongst the quickest in previous rounds.

The reigning Eurocup Formula Renault vice-champion knows that if the car is up to scratch, his maiden pole could see him on his way to securing a Saturday race win and so give him maximum points in his bid to move up the order.

"I’ve shown many times that I have the speed in free practice, now it’s important to continue that through into the qualifying session. This weekend as ever I will do the most professional job I can and if I have the equipment then I can win, if I don’t, then I won’t. It really is as simple as that. 

"Although I haven’t raced at Le Mans before, I know the circuit reasonably well and know that overtaking will be pretty much limited to the first corner only, so more than ever qualifying will be critical. I’m more comfortable in myself and confident going into the weekend and hopeful of a good finish over the final two rounds."

- Cathy Metcalfe-