Hugh Barter says “I want to win as much as possible” in FIA F3 after the pre-season test in Bahrain.
The Australian driver performed admirably in French and Spanish F4 last year, challenging for both championships and graduated to FIA F3 with Campos.
Barter adapted well to the quicker machinery during the three-day test, posting the fifth quickest time on Day 3.
The 17-year-old said to insideF2 that his goal is to take as many victories as he can this season and wants to leave no stone unturned.
“As any other driver I want to win as much as possible this season no matter how hard it is or how big the task is that’s still the main goal.
“I want to walk away from this season feeling like I’ve left nothing on the table and I’ve done everything is my power to get the most out of this season.”
The test in Bahrain provided valuable track time for Barter. He explained that the jump from F4 to Formula 3 is a big step but the Australian is ready for it.
“The step up from F4 to F3 is quite a big step but it’s a manageable step but I’m ready enough for it this season.
“The major difference in the car is pretty simple, there’s a lot of downforce and a lot more speed.
“But in the way you drive the car, the basics are still there and it’s all pretty straightforward so you just have to fine tune the small things so it’s nothing too different.
The teenager finished second in Spanish F4 last year with Campos and took six race wins including a triple victory at Navarra.
Barter is delighted to be continuing with Campos in 2023 and feels staying with the team has made adjusting to FIA F3 easier.
“It’s a good thing, (staying with Campos). Campos and myself know how each other work already and we’ve built up a good relationship across last year and continuing that this year makes it easier to get used to the workflow a bit smoother.
“I’m enjoying that this year and the work ethic is good.”
The Campos driver explained that he learned a lot during the test and the margins will be finer due to the lack of track time prior to qualifying on a race weekend.
“There was a lot to learn throughout the test about myself, about the car, about the championship itself as well.
“Just the things I have to focus on on the weekend because there’s not many laps that you get in FIA F3 before qualifying compared to F4.
“I think small things like this even though I knew about them it’s more just confirming and trying to replicate the race weekend during the test and it was also a good experience as well as learning the track.”
Image: Formula Motorsport Limited
