Brando Badoer delivered one of the strongest qualifying performances of his FIA Formula 3 (F3) career around the streets of Monaco, finishing second overall and topping Group A for Rodin Motorsport.
After showing encouraging pace throughout practice, the Italian converted that speed into a front-row start for Sunday’s Feature Race, putting himself firmly in contention for a maiden Formula 3 victory.
Reflecting on his result during the Virtual Media Roundtable, with Pit Debrief in attendance, Badoer praised Rodin Motorsport’s preparation and the confidence he felt behind the wheel throughout the weekend.
“Yeah, thank you. Yeah, the car has been feeling good since yesterday,” he said. “I knew the potential was there and just needed to do the job in quali. So yeah, definitely the team did a good job on setting up the car. The confidence was high and yeah, that was good so looking forward to Sunday.”
Badoer went fastest in Group A
Like pole-sitter Théophile Naël, Badoer views Saturday’s Sprint Race primarily as an opportunity to gather information ahead of the Feature Race, where overtaking opportunities are traditionally limited around the Monaco streets.
“Basically the same as what Théophile said,” Badoer explained, when asked by Pit Debrief about his view for Saturday’s Sprint Race. “We’re going to race, for sure, but it’s not easy to pass tomorrow.”
“Definitely it’s a race to learn things for Sunday.”
Having set the benchmark in Group A at Monaco, Badoer then faced the unenviable task of watching the second F3 qualifying group attempt to better his time, knowing there was nothing more he could do to improve his position.
The Rodin driver admitted he expected conditions to improve as the session progressed and was prepared for the possibility of drivers in Group B going faster.
“Yeah, I mean, I knew there was a big chance of the guys in the second group beating me at that time as the track was getting better and better and I could feel it myself during my group run.
“So yeah, I was just looking at the guys and what beat my time but it happened and yeah, I was ready for it so that’s what it is, you know. It’s fine like this.”
Qualifying around Monaco
Despite Monaco’s reputation as one of the most challenging circuits in world motorsport, Badoer believes the fundamentals of qualifying remain unchanged.
“No, I would say you approach qualifying in the same way. If you want to be at the top you need to deliver a perfect lap as close as possible to it so yeah maybe you build up a bit more initial but yeah, you’re looking to be as close as possible to the finish.”
Badoer also highlighted the challenge Formula 3 drivers face with limited track time before qualifying, particularly at demanding venues such as Monaco.
“I would say it’s just enough,” he said when asked whether a single practice session is sufficient preparation.
“That’s what makes Formula 3 quite a tricky category. You don’t have a lot of running time in Free Practice before going into qualifying.
“With the limited amount of running time you have, you need to do the best you can and learn as much as possible. I wouldn’t say we get a lot of time, but it’s just enough if you use the experience well.”
Improvements for Badoer over the last year in FIA F3
The result marks a significant turnaround for Badoer compared to his previous Monaco appearance. Last season, his qualifying session ended prematurely after contact with the barriers at Sainte Dévote, leaving him down in 28th on the grid.
When asked by Pit Debrief about the difference between then and now, the Italian pointed to a combination of confidence and feeling comfortable with his machinery.
“Yeah, last year I had an unfortunate run in Monaco,” he said. “My quali ended early because I touched the wall in T1.
“I wouldn’t say something specifically changed. I felt confident yesterday in FP and I’m happy with the car I’m driving this year, and I was able to put everything together today.”
With a front-row start secured and strong pace throughout the weekend, Badoer heads into Sunday’s Feature Race as one of the leading contenders to challenge for victory around the Principality.
