Japan: Carlo van Dam Autopolis race two report

Carlo van Dam third again at Autopolis

Mixed emotions despite podium finish

GOTEMBA - Dutch racing driver Carlo van Dam today scored his fourth podium finish of the year at Autopolis, but he was not satisfied with the result. Although Carlo started from pole position, he had to settle for third place in the race after losing two positions at the start. After the first four rounds of the Japanese Formula 3 Championship, however, Carlo is very much part of the title fight.

"Because we got away badly at the start yesterday, we used a different first gear today", Carlo says. "That did not work out really well and so I instantly dropped back two places. My pace in the race was good, though, and I ran with the first two all the way to the finish, but overtaking is just close to impossible here, especially since the three of us were equally quick, basically. In the end this was a weekend of mixed emotions: it is clear that we are on the pace, but we could not turn that into a victory here. However, the good thing is that as a team we performed perfectly today and I managed to limit the damage in terms of the championship standings. I now want to start winning races of course. The next opportunity will come at Suzuka on May 10 and 11, so obviously I am looking forward to that race."

-credit: carlovandam.nl