Jack Doohan currently finds himself second in the FIA Formula 3 standings after the opening four rounds of the season.  He has a sizeable gap to overturn to championship leader Dennis Hauger and is looking to switch his focus onto himself, rather than be caught up in a championship battle that is starting to fade away due to the incredible form of the Norwegian. 

By Richard Smyth

Doohan is optimistic for this upcoming weekend, and while finishing inside the points is his main aim, he is cautious and understanding of the unpredictable nature of the feeder series and is going to take the weekend one session at a time. 

“I’m really looking forward to the weekend, obviously I’m looking to pick up as many points as possible,” explains the Trident driver. “It would be amazing to put it on pole and to finish on the top step but I think we just need to take it one session at a time and not worry about the championship.”

Focus

Dennis Hauger currently leads the F3 standings and with a 63 points difference between the championship leader and Doohan, it will be difficult for the Australian driver to close the gap. However, there are three more rounds of the season left and plenty of points to be scored. Doohan knows that overturning the sizeable gap to Hauger would be a huge challenge and has instead turned his focus onto himself to maximise his race weekend before thinking about challenging Hauger for the Championship lead.  

“There is a big points deficit, but I don’t think it would be the right approach to just think 100 percent about closing that gap. If it happens then all is well and good but I think we need to just focus on ourselves.”

In a good position

It is just under a month since Formula 3 last took to a race track, supporting Formula 1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Doohan enters this weekend on the back of a decent weekend at the Hungaroring, qualifying in second, followed by a ninth and a fourth place finish in the first two sprint races. He then finished in third place in the feature race, keeping pressure on Hauger, who won the main race. Doohan thinks that his team should be in a good position this weekend and he is feeling good ahead of round five in the Championship.

“I like the circuit, I think we should have things sorted after the last couple of rounds and we should be in a good position. All the prep went well and I am feeling good.”

Qualifying

Traditionally qualifying for a race can make or break a driver’s weekend. However, with the multitude of overtaking opportunities around the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, any position on the first few rows of the grid will keep the driver in the hunt for the race win.

“Qualifying is obviously important but there are passing opportunities so you can afford to start from the second or third row at worst. I’m happy with whatever the weather does, just try to adapt and perform the best.”

Formula 3 action in Belgium will kick-off with Practice and Qualifying on Friday, followed by Race 1 and Race 2 on Saturday. These first two races will be running the sprint format, with the main feature race taking place on Sunday.

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