As he heads into his first FIA Formula 3 race weekend with Trident, Rafael Câmara, the 2024 Formula Regional European Champion, is eager to get out on track. While speaking to the media during a virtual event attended by Pit Debrief, Câmara described himself as “very excited to start the season” when asked how he felt ahead of his F3 debut during the 2025 Melbourne F3 round.
Câmara eager to get out on track in Melbourne
While he acknowledged that he would go into the weekend’s activities lacking experience, he explained that he and his team, Trident, had done significant preparation ahead of his debut.
“Obviously, it’s my first year, first time in Melbourne. So, I think we have done a good job preparing for the season, and now we just can’t wait to go on track tomorrow and put some laps in [in] Melbourne.”
Well-prepared Câmara “just waiting” for Friday Practice Session
Having arrived in Melbourne earlier than required, Câmara managed to avoid jetlag over the race weekend, and instead, has been able to focus on race simulations and his usual training routine.
“It’s a long way to Melbourne, and the jetlag especially the topic [of concern]. I arrived a bit earlier here to make sure that I was not tired for this weekend, and [to] get used to the time zones.”
“Yeah, and then with the team, we did a lot of [simulations] to make sure we [are] as ready as possible for the weekend.”
“And myself, as usual, training. And yeah, now just waiting for FP tomorrow.”
Câmara careful to manage expectations for 2025 F3 debut
Despite his preparation, Câmara will be careful to manage his expectations. When responding to a question from Pit Debrief, Câmara stated that he aimed to do his best during the weekend. He explained that there was still a lot to learn from the new car, especially the tyres.
“I think expectations are always high. But yeah, [I will] just try to do my best. Still a lot to learn as far as the new car, to understand, especially the new tyres. We never drove the medium, so it will be a new thing.”
While he is aware of his lack of familiarity with the Albert Park Circuit, the Brazilian driver believes that he and his team have prepared well, noting that their team sessions with the simulator had gone smoothly.
“We have been doing a lot of team sessions. It’s a new track for me. It’s the only place where we can test and try to make the scenario as ready as possible for when we hit the first time at track.”
“And I think it went pretty smooth. So, I’m looking forward to working tomorrow.”
When asked by Pit Debrief, if Trident would use any learnings from their previous experiences in Melbourne to shape their approach to the 2025 round, Câmara indicated that while the team hoped to keep the pace that they had enjoyed in 2024, it was difficult to base their expectations on previous outings due to the differences between the 2024 and 2025 cars.
“I hope we have the same pace [as] last year, so I will be fast. But no, I think it’s a new car, so it’s difficult to compare with last year. But in terms of pace, if it is the same as last year, we may be able to support.”
Câmara using “same approach” to Melbourne race
Despite having not raced at the Albert Park Circuit before, Câmara does not believe that the circuit will pose any significant challenge. Instead, he will approach this race as he does all others.
“I think it doesn’t have to be, let’s say, a big challenge. It’s always the same approach. Obviously, it’s the first time in the street circuit but I think you always have the same approach.”
“We have been doing a lot of [simulator work],” he added, before saying that with proper preparation, a driver could feel comfortable around the track.
“Even if you never drove there, I think once you’re driving, it feels like you’ve been there before.”
Câmara prepared for rainy conditions in Melbourne
With rain predicted over the 2025 Australian Grand Prix weekend, the 2025 F3 drivers run the risk of wet conditions around the Melbourne circuit. When asked if he felt prepared for such conditions, Câmara was positive, indicating that his pre-season testing experience in Barcelona had prepared him for racing in the rain.
“Yeah, it can have some rain on Sunday, but I think it’s the same for everyone.”
“So, we did some laps already in Barcelona. We were able to see and to feel the new tyres, how the car was behaving in the wet.”
“I think we are prepared for whatever will be shown,” the Brazilian driver declared.
Ferrari Driver Academy “very helpful” in preparing Câmara for F3
The Brazilian driver also noted the influence of the Ferrari Driver Academy, of which he has been a part since 2022, on his preparation for his rookie F3 season. He described the partnership as “helpful” for both his on- and off-track development and stated that it felt great to be part of the big Ferrari family.
“Since [joining] Ferrari, it has been very helpful for me, not only as a driver, but as a person outside of the track. And for sure, it [has] helped me a lot to prepare for the race weekend—physically, mentally.”
“So, it feels very great to be a part of it. Also at Ferrari, to be part of a big family is very nice.”
He added, “Since I joined Ferrari, they have been good for me. Everything has been very nice. They are very helpful. And, like I said, it’s great to be part of it.”
