Martí arrives in Hungary in second place overall with the goal to reduce the point gap. Mansell is expected to be another strong contender after achieving his first podium in the series. Barter is looking to extend his points-paying finishes streak in the F3-based racing series
Campos Racing is ready to contest the seventh and antepenultimate round of the 2023 FIA Formula 3 Championship season. The Spanish-based racing team is entering the hottest phase of the campaign, not just because the Hungaroring is normally affected by high temperatures in late July but because the title fight is going down to the wire little by little. Campos Racing will enter their three-car army for the ultracompetitive driver line-up consisting of Pepe Martí, Christian Mansell and Hugh Barter.
Martí has becoming one of the strongest drivers in the field throughout the season. The Spaniard currently sits second in the standings after finishing into the points in all the previous six rounds. Martí made a sensational start to the season in Bahrain by clinching his maiden win in the series. After a seventh-place finish in Australia, which came after a brilliant recovery drive, Martí won in the streets of Monte Carlo and in his home round in Barcelona. Following a solid haul of points at Red Bull Ring, the Barcelona native made his comeback onto the podium at Silverstone by finishing third. Martí has 92 points to his name and is the closest in pursuit of series leader Gabriel Bortoleto.
Australians Christian Mansell and Hugh Barter have solidly managed rise the bar race by race. Mansell scored his first points in Melbourne and then added more points to his tally in Barcelona and Spielberg. But the Australian definitely delivered his best version at Silverstone, where he brought a third and fifth place home. Barter put himself into the points-paying positions at Red Bull Ring with an 8th place. A mere week later, Barter took the checkered flag in sixth place at Silverstone in difficult changing conditions.
The Hungaroring is a very tricky circuit and very different in comparison to Silverstone o Red Bull Ring. The track is quite narrow and features non-stop action for the drivers with corners in quick succession. The Hungarian venue is frequently described as the “Monaco without the walls” due to being extremely difficult to overtaking. Therefore, qualifying plays an essential role this weekend. The main straight is short at the same time, which leaves no time to cool down the tires and worsens both tire wear and degradation, even when the asphalt isn’t particularly abrasive.
Pirelli has chosen the P Zero Yellow medium to bed used at the Hungaroring.
Both free practice and qualifying sessions will take place on Friday at 09:55 and 15:05 respectively. Saturday’s Sprint race is scheduled at 09:50 with Sunday’s Feature race taking place at 08:25. All times are CET.
Adrián Campos (Campos Racing Team Principal): “The FIA Formula 3 brings a new opportunity to extend our great performance in Hungary, which is the third event taking place of the series in July. Pepe is completing a brilliant season as a regular podium visitor and sits second in the standings. Our goal is to close the gap on Bortoleto. Christian delivered his best version at Silverstone and we should count on him for another strong weekend at the Hungaroring. Hugh is making solid, fast progress and I feel confident he will be able to fight for more points in Hungary.”
Pepe Martí (Campos Racing Driver in FIA Formula 3): “After our podium in Silverstone I am very excited for Budapest. We haven’t had a bad weekend in the whole year and I’m hoping to keep our momentum and speed up for this weekend. Budapest was a good track for us last year and with our improvements this year I am confident in our capabilities and hoping we can challenge for a good result.”
Christian Mansell (Campos Racing Driver in FIA Formula 3): “Feeling good for Hungary! The car had great pace at Silverstone so hopefully the momentum lasts for this round. Looking forward to it!”
Hugh Barter (Campos Racing Driver in FIA Formula 3): “After two consecutive weekends of scoring points the team and myself are confident coming into this round. The track is extremely hard to pass at so qualifying will be crucial for a good weekend as well managing the new medium tires across the race.”
