Kanato Le heads into the FIA Formula 3 (F3) Championship’s Spa-Francorchamps Round ready to embrace one of the most iconic circuits on the calendar.
Six rounds into his rookie campaign, the Japanese driver has experienced the demanding nature of competing in one of the world’s most competitive junior single-seater championships.
While the level of competition was something Le expected before the season began, there have still been aspects of the championship that have surprised the ART Grand Prix driver.
Ahead of the F3 Spa-Francorchamps round during the Virtual Media Roundtable, Pit Debrief asked Le whether there was anything about the championship that he felt he had underestimated before the start of the season.
“Yeah, I think I knew it was going to be a challenging championship and it’s going to be difficult,” Le explained.
“I think some things, we just had to learn every race, just take the learnings and to do the best you can, and I think it’s one of the most competitive championships, so you just have to enjoy the weekend and do your best, and also just learn from what you’ve been doing.
“And yeah, I think one thing I definitely underestimated was the early morning starts. I think it’s sometimes a bit early, but it’s super nice to be able to race in this championship.”
Le ready to embrace changing conditions at Spa
Spa-Francorchamps is already one of the most challenging circuits on the FIA F3 calendar, but the Belgian weather can add another layer of unpredictability to the weekend.
With rain forecast as a possibility during Friday’s running, Le knows that the teams will need to be ready to adapt quickly, particularly with the races expected to take place in drier conditions.
“I think for sure if it rains this weekend, it’s going to be interesting,” he said. “I do like the rain quite a bit, and I also like the damp condition when it’s slick on damp track.
“It can make quali’s dampness pretty interesting. I think, like what Freddie [Slater] said, it’s quite important for the team to get the car correct.
“It’s going to be one of the most important things if you’re going to be able to perform as the best you can.
“I think you just have to go there, do your best, and just see what you can do in those conditions.”
Spa-Francorchamps a favourite for Le
While the changing conditions may present an additional challenge, Le is looking forward to the opportunity to race at a circuit he considers one of his favourites in the world.
Spa-Francorchamps is renowned for its high-speed corners and long straights, creating a unique challenge for the FIA Formula 3 field and offering plenty of opportunities for wheel-to-wheel racing.
Asked what he was most looking forward to across the F3 Spa-Francorchamps weekend, Le made no secret of his excitement at returning to the iconic circuit.
“Yeah, I think for sure, it’s one of the most enjoyable tracks to drive,” he said. “It’s definitely one of my favourite tracks to drive in the world as well.
“So it’s an awesome weekend and being able to drive on this track. And yeah, for sure, the racing is going to be pretty interesting as well with the long straights.
“So I think there’s going to be lots of overtaking opportunities. And I think it’ll just be an interesting weekend. And I’m really looking forward to putting on some new tyres and quali and hopefully putting some good laps.”
Madrid provides another opportunity for points
The FIA Formula 3 season will also now feature an additional Feature Race in Madrid, following the announcement that the Spanish capital will host a new event on the calendar.
For Le, the addition does not change his approach to the remainder of the season. Instead, he sees it as another opportunity to score points and improve his position in the championship standings.
“I think, yeah, mindset-wise, I don’t think it would change that much,” Le said. “Every weekend is a different weekend and just focus and do your best.
“I think having the extra Feature Race in Madrid will be quite interesting because it’s another race where you can score good points and maybe you can move up some position in the championship.
“So I think just have to take it as another race and just go into it as a normal weekend and just do the best as I can.”
As Le continues to adapt to the demands of his rookie FIA Formula 3 season, Spa-Francorchamps offers the Japanese driver another opportunity to put his learnings into practice.
With changing weather, one of the most challenging circuits on the calendar and another new race added to the season ahead, Le is focused on taking each weekend as it comes, learning from every experience and making the most of the opportunities in front of him.
