Productive Test for Aussie Rookie
22/2/2008

DRIVER REPORT : Sam Abay

With the start of the Lloyds TSB British Formula 3 Championship just over a month away, Sam Abay and the Carlin team have taken to the track in preparation for the 2008 season. The youngster consistently lapped amongst the front runners at the first official test at the Pembrey circuit in Wales, recording the 2nd fastest time on Day 1 and the 5th fastest time on Day 2, as he comes to grips with the Formula 3 machine.

Billed by experts as featuring the most competitive driver line-up in the past 10 years of the championship, Abay is looking forward to making his debut.

The European based Australian who makes the jump to Formula 3 after two seasons in Formula BMW, sampled the Carlin Formula 3 car at Snetterton and Croft late last year, making an immediate impression by lapping under the 2007 pole position times at both circuits.

Team boss Trevor Carlin stated "Sam makes a big leap from Formula BMW to F3, but his progress in testing so far has been very impressive."

"Our aim here at Pembrey was simply to get familiar with the F3 car and as a team we were obviously keen to see how set-up changes effect the new Dallara. It's a lot different to the Formula BMW I've raced, but it's been quite easy to adapt. However there's no substitute for seat-time and I'm at the start of a steep learning curve this year. My focus in my first season of F3 is to consistently improve and get stronger as we gain experience” said Abay.

Prepared by samabay.com