Thomas Randle took the rookie honours at the Zandvoort Masters of Formula 3 the weekend before last as he competed in FIA European F3 machinery for the first time.
Randle, from Narre Warren North, was one of four drivers who have competed in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship this year to race in the prestigious Masters event at the Dutch circuit.
“It was really good. It was a steep learning curve and a bit of an eye-opener but we had no big expectations going into the weekend,” said Randle who competed for Double R Racing.
“The competition was through the roof and you are up against some of the best drivers in Europe so it is a big challenge.
“By the end of the weekend we had stepped up though and to finish as the top rookie was awesome.”
Randle was joined by Carlin racers Colton Herta and Ameya Vaidyanathan while Harrison Scott, who has competed in BRDC British F3 with HHC Motorsport, received a late call-up to replace British F3 race-winner Nikita Mazepin, who was ill, at Hitech GP.
The result was all the more impressive given that Randle hadn’t tested prior to the event, his only experience in an FIA European F3 car before that coming back in 2015.
“We didn’t have any testing and Double R hadn’t raced the car since Macau last year.
“All the other teams had been to Zandvoort before and heading into qualifying we had only done 20 laps,” the 20-year-old said.
Randle finished the second race of the weekend in 11th, one place ahead of Scott with Herta and Vaidyanathan 13th and 15th respectively.
The final round of the 2016 BRDC British Formula 3 Championship takes place at Donington Park on 10-11 September.
