SB:
Quite different. There’s a lot more power in the Renault which I had to adapt to, and there’s a slight difference in the driving style that you need to get used to, but all-in-all I think Formula
BMW did prepare me very well for Formula Renault, and I think Formula Renault will prepare me very well for F3.
Q:
How much of a step up do you think F3 is going to be?
SB:
It is a step up again, both in terms of the car and the opposition I will be facing, but we will have to wait and see. I haven’t really tested enough yet. I will let you know halfway through the season – if I’m not doing too well I will say it’s really hard, and if I am then I will give you another answer!
Q:
You have one of the best teams behind you in Carlin Motorsport though. How much of a boost will that be?
SB:
Yes, it’s an absolutely fantastic team. It’s the most successful team in F3 history, so I have nothing to hide away from really. I’ve got to do a good job.
Q:
Talking of steps up, you took part in a GP2 test recently. How did that go?
SB:
That was awesome. The car was just unbelievably fast – I’ve never experienced anything like that before. I have driven a World Series by Renault machine, but the GP2 car is a step up even from that. It was a really good experience and I now know where I need to work on for the future. It was just a fantastic day.
Q:
You’re also a BRDC Stars of Tomorrow graduate. What kind of grounding did karting give you in the sport?
SB:
Karting was absolutely fantastic. It teaches you driving etiquette, how to overtake and what to do in race situations. It’s a brilliant way for youngsters to begin racing before they step into single-seaters.
