Cairns’ Aidan Wright soared to a best sixth-place result in what was an enlightening maiden appearance in the Formula 3 Australian Drivers’ Championship on the high-speed Phillip Island Circuit (21-22 September).
Wright, backed by SLY Collective – an original men’s underwear brand that embodies the edgy Gold Coast lifestyle – has ten podium finishes – including five race wins – to his name in the ultra-competitive Formula Masters China Series (FMCS) and subsequently leads the points table with three races remaining in Shanghai.
Quick to make an impact in the Asian motorsport scene, the Cairns-domiciled hotshot acclimatised well to his Harvest Motorsport-prepared Mercedes-Benz powered Mygale F3 racer on Australia’s ultra-high speed Phillip Island Circuit.
After a tentative start in the weekend’s first free practice session, Wright took significant strides forwards in terms of pace and, from tenth on the grid in race one, demonstrated his supreme race craft to scythe up to sixth place by the finish.
A storming start to race two at the Victorian venue saw Wright move up to fifth place on the opening lap. However, a baffling gear selection issue caused the 18-year old F3 debutant to lose ground once again.
The Cairns racer refocused and began a defiant resurgence. Determined to make an impression in his native Australia, Wright chased down the competition and used a perfect tow along the pit-straight to lunge up the inside of a competitor, who carelessly proceeded to shut the door on the unsuspecting Wright.
Unfortunately, the inevitable contact resulted in retirement and resigned Wright to the sidelines for the weekend’s third Australian F3 clash.
“My maiden Australian Formula 3 outing was both good and bad,” said Wright. “I definitely underestimated the challenge, as I expected to adjust to the car and the Phillip Island circuit in two short practice sessions and that was far too much to ask. The biggest shock was the levels of downforce F3 cars produce compared to my Formula Masters challenger. It was insane!
“However, I also went up against very experienced drivers, some of whom have raced in F3 for eight years. I was fast and confident in my own ability and was delighted to finish sixth in race one – I was a mere two tenths off the fastest lap and set the quickest final sector, which was really pleasing, especially considering that I was still settling into the car.”
Wright continued: “I was on for a good result in race two, but was prevented from moving forwards by a gear selection issue. I regrouped and had the door firmly closed in my face while attempting a pass through the high-speed Turn 1. That incident meant I was unable to contest the final race.
“In fact, there was a noticeable lack of professionalism and respect with some drivers in the Australian F3 field. I have always competed against aggressive, hard and fast racers who would doggedly defend their position, but I was lost for words after the collision at Phillip Island. While that was disappointing, what I learnt was worthwhile, i.e. always have a plan B and never underestimate your competition. I think I represented the Asian motorsport scene well and I know I have the ability to drive in F3, which is something to add to my resume.”
Aidan returns to the Formula Masters China Series (FMCS) to bid for the 2013 title in the final three races of the championship at the Shanghai International Circuit (SIC) on 25-27 October.
For more information on Aidan Wright and his racing activities, please visit the officialwww.aidanwrightracing.com website, ‘like’ his Facebook page or follow@aidanwright_94 on Twitter.
Alternatively, visit Aidan Wright’s page on the ‘Portfolio’ section of the www.bam-promo.com website.