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Webb Demonstrates His Pace in Formula 3 Testing

Manchester-based racing driver, Oliver Webb topped the time sheets on day one of the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series test at Rockingham Motor Speedway on Monday.

Formula 3 rookie, Webb set the quickest time of day one of the Rockingham test, outpacing drivers who are now entering their second year of the prestigious series. Webb set the second fastest time overall on the two-day test and used two whole sets of tyres less than his nearest rivals. In a series where tyre usage is strictly limited, this gives Webb a big advantage going into his home round at Oulton Park over Easter weekend.

Webb set a time that was one second quicker than the pole position time for Rockingham from last year’s race.  Webb’s Fortec run, Mercedes-powered car has seen development over the winter to enhance performance, but nevertheless, his pace is superb for someone who has yet to start a Formula 3 race. The ex-Formula Renault driver had a couple of close calls as he pushed his single seat race car to the absolute edge. Webb narrowly avoided contact with the fearsome Rockingham walls in a 130 mph spin, but both car and driver emerged unscathed.

This latest successful test puts Webb in a strong position and allows him to have a psychological advantage over his potential rivals. Webb has been delighted with his extensive pre-season testing, commenting: “This test went brilliantly, we have had two days of good consistent testing weather and I am really happy to be topping the time sheets at this stage of the pre-season. Many rivals have used two further sets of tyres, and I was the only car setting top 10 times on old rubber. Going into my home race at Oulton I will have more tyres available and that could be critical with the limited number of sets available to us. Roll on Easter weekend.”

Webb will make his debut in British F3 in the first round at his home circuit of Oulton Park in Cheshire over Easter Weekend. In advance of that weekend, the MSA Elite driver will test at the picturesque North West circuit on Wednesday 10^th March, with media and potential sponsors invited to attend.

ENDS