An enthused Tatiana Calderon is brimming with optimism ahead of Rounds 4, 5 and 6 of the 2013 Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series at Belgium’s legendary Circuit Spa-Francorchamps (25-27 July).
The 20-year old Colombian lady racer achieved a trio of top ten finishes – including a fifth place – in the opening round of the 2013 British F3 season at Silverstone.
The next halt for the British F3 contenders is Spa-Francorchamps – a track redolent of motorsport history and heritage. It carves its way through the spectacular Ardennes forest in the Belgian province of Liege and remains one of the world’s most formidable race tracks, comprising of infamous corners like Eau Rouge – the step left-right-left sweeper with a blind summit – the double-apexed Pouhon and the flat-out Blanchimont.
However, Calderon is now in the best shape of her life having focused on improving her physical fitness in recent months and feels prepared for everything the legendary Spa circuit might throw at her.
And after the disappointment of being sidelined for the most recent FIA Formula 3 European Championship race on Nuremberg’s Norisring street track (14 July), Calderon is keener than ever to return to the cockpit of her Double R Racing-prepared racer.
“Spa is my most favourite circuit because it has everything; fast and slow corners, long straights, plenty of overtaking opportunities, amazing scenery and lots of history,” said Calderon. “It is just a magical place and I’m really looking forward to returning there, especially after missing the last Euro F3 race at the Norisring due to illness – it’s never easy to retire from a race, but it’s in the past and motivates me even more for this weekend.
“You have to be really focused at Spa because it’s such a long lap. The weather is also challenging there, as you never know what to expect – rain can roll in quickly and it might only be wet in parts. It is a real challenge and you have to find a balance that suits most corners and the high-speed straights, which is very difficult.”
Three 30-minute British F3 races will be held as part of the prestigious support package for the Total Spa 24 Hours sportscar enduro.
Rounds 4 and 5 are scheduled for 10.10 and 13.30 respectively on Friday (26 July), while Round 6 will begin the following morning at 11.50 (Saturday 27 July).
For all the latest news and updates on Tatiana Calderon’s racing activities, please like her Facebook page or follow @TataCalde on Twitter.
