Another looking to capitalise on some local support this weekend will be Leanne Tander, who drives for the Melbourne-based Fleetcare Tander Sport outfit that she and husband Garth established throughout the off season. Tander posted a strong performance at the opening championship round in early March, and will be looking to build on the momentum that presently sees her sitting in fifth place in the championship standings.
Fellow Victorian driver Lauren Gray will join Tander on the grand prix grid at the wheel of the Scud Racing-prepared Dallara F396 she drove to a pair of Trophy class victories at Wakefield Park. Gray and Tander's presence means that the F3 field this weekend will be one of the first – outside the celebrity challenge - to feature two female drivers at the
F1 event.
Tim Macrow will also be out for success at Albert Park, a podium run at Wakefield Park a month ago proving that, despite running an older car, the talented Victorian will be a contender this weekend. Macrow made his Australian F3 debut in his current car at the grand prix last season, and will be looking forward to putting a year's worth of development to the test this weekend. The 22-year old – a perennial privateer who has recently struggled for funds – has managed to raise the finances to compete at the biggest event of the year and hopes to impress potential sponsors.
"A lot of the sponsors that have come on board for this weekend will be in the stands watching us, so we are very keen to put on a good show," Macrow confirmed, "I really enjoy the circuit and, as last year was the first time that we had the new car and were still learning it, we will go much better this weekend."
Formula Ford racer Laurent Le Page looks set to make his F3 debut at the grand prix, steering a third car for Team BRM. He tested with the team during the off-season and impressed with his pace and general feedback, suggesting that, despite facing a major learning curve, he could be one of the surprises of the weekend.
