Calan Williams has completed the second official FIA Formula 3 tests at Barcelona with P1 in the afternoon session. This will be the final testing ahead of the first round also at Barcelona in two weeks.
Day 1 started with wet weather, and whilst on circuit Calan’s lap times in these conditions had him inside the top 3. Whilst in the pits and the track started to dry, the order changed considerably, but late in the session all were able to put on new tyres and run in qualifying situation for the end of the session. Calan’s lap was solid to finish the morning session inside the top 10 in P9 of the 30 drivers.
Photo: Getty Images
In the afternoon dry conditions continued, and with some challenges with traffic during flying laps, the final position was P13. 72 laps were completed for the day, and both Calan and the team were very pleased with the testing and progress made through the days program. Race pace in the longer runs was pleasing.
Some small errors in the morning session saw a P14 result, but gains relative to the quickest time, now only 5 tenths from the top spot.
Photo: Dutch Photo Agency
In the afternoon session the track temperature was considerably warmer, which would slow times relative to the cooler temperatures of the morning, however the team elected to run the final set of new tyres at the very beginning of the session. Calan’s lap was impressive, finding the gains in the final sector which had been the focus and he posted a time of 1:32.5 which was nearly 5 tenths clear of the field.
Photo: Dutch Photo Agency
Focusing on race runs for the rest of the session, Calan’s time would remain unbeaten across the 3 hours in P1.
An outstanding way to finish a very competitive testing program by Calan across not only the two official pre-season tests in 2021, but also very strong performances in the 2020 post-season tests where he was consistently in the top 3.
Round 1 is back at Barcelona from May 7 – 9 during the Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix weekend.
Photo above and those below by Dutch Photo Agency
