Trident Team Manager Giacomo Ricci believes the competition in the FIA F3 Championship could intensify this season, but ended pre-season testing feeling confident about his squad’s form. After three productive days in Barcelona, the Italian team displayed strong pace from the start. Freddie Slater topped the times on the first two days and stayed within the top four on the final day, while Noah Strømsted climbed to second. onsistent long-run speed from both drivers, along with Matteo De Palo, highlighted what Ricci called an encouraging start to the season.
Ricci encouraged by smooth Barcelona F3 test despite pre-season uncertainties for Trident
Ricci expressed quiet satisfaction with how the test unfolded. While pre-season results hold little weight, he felt the three days were productive and smooth. The team ran its full programme without technical issues across all three cars and tested various development items.
That clean running left him optimistic heading into Melbourne, even though he knew conditions and priorities would shift once racing began. With limited preparation time and a competitive field, he expected a challenging start to the year but took encouragement from Trident’s position near the top of the timesheets in Barcelona.
“Well, I’m quite happy about the testing, it’s been a positive few days for us. Again, it’s pre-season, so it doesn’t count so much. But I’m happy that we didn’t have any problem with the cars and we’ve been able so far to run in the full programme with the three cars. We tested different items, so I’m really looking forward to Melbourne.
“You also understand there are things that will change as always and with the limited time that we have available, it will be as always extremely challenging. But, of course, here in Barcelona, happy to be up there.”
Strong collaboration and open data-sharing underpin Trident’s driver line-up
Ricci also praised the strong dynamic within Trident’s F3 driver line-up. He noted that the trio worked openly and constructively, exchanging data and feedback to improve the team’s overall performance. At the same time, he recognised their contrasting personalities and tailored his approach to meet each individual’s needs. So far, he felt the collaboration was progressing well and was pleased with the foundation they had built during testing.
“I mean, together they are working very well. They are sharing fully the information between themselves, so that’s absolutely positive.
“Individually, it’s good as well, each driver has their own different character. So, you need to change slightly the procedures according to their needs. But, so far, I’m happy and pleased with the work that we have been able to carry on with them.”
Ricci expects tighter margins as F3 competition intensifies
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Ricci acknowledged that it’s still difficult to judge the true pecking order. Every team had worked relentlessly over the winter, and he believed the overall level of competition in the championship continued to rise year after year, tightening the margins.
Trident focused on fine-tuning the details during the off-season, refining the last elements of its package in hopes of gaining an edge. However, Ricci admitted that the true picture would only become clear once the cars hit the track in Melbourne. Early signs left him cautiously optimistic.
“It’s difficult to say this because everyone is working extremely hard in the winter. What I feel is that every year, the level is getting higher and higher and higher. The competition is always closer and closer and closer.
“So, we worked this winter, tuning the last bits, the last parts. We hope that it will be enough. But, again, the reality is we will only know in Melbourne and, of course, through the season. But, again, we are positive so far.”
Quick adaptation in Melbourne crucial for Trident duo
Ricci acknowledged that the team closely monitored its rivals for reference but reiterated that its primary focus remained internal. While he was encouraged by their strong performance in Barcelona, he stressed that Melbourne would be the true test. The Australian circuit would add another challenge, as only Strømsted had prior experience there. Slater and De Palo would need to quickly adapt to the unfamiliar track from the outset.
“I mean, of course, you always look at the others, just to have a reference. So, again, we are focusing on ourselves and, as I mentioned before, we are happy to be up there. But the reality will be in Melbourne, where for us, for all our drivers, apart from Noah, for Freddie, and Matteo, the track will be new. So, they will have to adapt extremely quickly to the new track.”
