Hiyu Yamakoshi was pleased to finally convert his strong pace into a F3 Feature Race podium at Spa-Francorchamps, although the Van Amersfoort Racing driver was left wondering what might have been after Ernesto Rivera denied him victory.
Yamakoshi started the race from third and quickly moved into contention at the front.
After taking the lead early in the race, the Japanese driver battled with the likes of Tuukka Taponen and Freddie Slater before eventually losing out to Rivera, who charged through the field to claim his maiden Feature Race victory.
Yamakoshi ultimately finished second, securing his second Feature Race podium of the season after previously starting from pole at the Red Bull Ring but failing to convert it into a top-three finish.
Speaking in the FIA Formula 3 post-Feature Race press conference, Yamakoshi admitted he was pleased to finally get the result he had been looking for.
“Not too bad. Yeah, not too bad. I had the pole position at the Red Bull Ring and I couldn’t get the Feature Race result, and now, finally, I got a result with P2 again.
“Unfortunately I thought I could win the race in the beginning but again the P1 goes to a Campos driver. It’s quite a shame, but also, it’s showing my pace and showing how strong we are. So hopefully we can bring this momentum all the way.”
DRS battles throughout the F3 Feature Race
Yamakoshi was involved in several battles throughout the F3 Feature Race but soon realised that pulling clear of the DRS train would be difficult around Spa-Francorchamps.
Instead, he focused on managing his tyres and controlling the race from the front, although Rivera’s pace ultimately proved too strong.
“Yeah, for me, the most important thing was, if I could, I just tried to pull away and out of the DRS. But it looked like it was impossible, so I just tried to manage the tyre and manage the race.
“Yeah, in the end, everything was pretty much the way I wanted. But just the pace of Ernesto meant I couldn’t win.”
The result provides further momentum for Yamakoshi heading into the next round of the season at the Hungaroring.
After securing another Feature Race podium, the Van Amersfoort Racing driver is focused on maintaining his confidence and continuing to build on the team’s recent performances.
“For me, just trust myself, trust the team, and put everything together that I can.”
