Felbermayr striving for more silverware after ‘productive’ Navarra test

Emma Felbermayr was upbeat about her chances going forward into Singapore after unlocking her potential as the in-season test progressed at the Circuito de Navarra.

The Kick Sauber struggled initially, finishing down in P17 and P11 during the first two sessions. Regrouping after Tuesday’s running, she and Rodin Motorsport found the pace they’d missed thus far.

Claiming the fourth and second-fastest times in Day 2’s sessions, Felbermayr finished only two tenths down on her teammate and pacesetter Ella Lloyd.

Speaking afterwards in Navarra, the 18-year-old admitted she’d initially struggled to get comfortable with the unfamiliar circuit but was pleased with what had been accomplished by the end of running.

“The test was good,” Felbermayr began. “The results were good both in the morning and in the afternoon. It was the first time on this track for me, I’ve never been here before. The first test day was a bit more difficult, learning the track and finding the limit.

“Overall, it was a productive test with many laps completed. It’s a really technical track, so we’ve worked quite a lot on my driving. Also with the car, we did a good step forward and as a team we looked pretty strong overall.”

It has been an intense learning season for Felbermayr, as a rookie to both F1 ACADEMY and single-seaters. Lying 10th in the Standings, she’s picked up one win but only four points-scoring finishes.

READ MORE: Lloyd sweeps Day 2 to end Navarra in-season testing on top

Still searching for consistency, the Kick Sauber driver is upbeat about the upcoming penultimate round in Singapore. Bracing herself for a physically and mentally demanding weekend, Felbermayr knows she’ll be needing to play catch up if she hopes to return to the podium.

“I’m super excited to be racing in Singapore next month,” she said. “I’ve never been there, so of course, it’s going to be a challenge in the beginning with just a little time for practice before Qualifying.

“I think the biggest challenge for Singapore is that we are not racing at night. We are racing in the afternoon, which is probably the hottest time of the day. Therefore, we are facing a lot of humidity and hot temperatures. We are preparing as well as possible for the weekend, but still it’s going to be a challenge as we have never had these conditions before in the season.”

READ MORE: F1 ACADEMY Rookie Test Explained

Felbermayr added: “The aim for the weekend is definitely finishing in the points in both races. Bringing home a trophy would be even better and just amazing.

“I don’t have too many expectations as a lot of the other drivers have been on the track before, so they have the advantage and more experience on the track. We’ll make sure to maximise all we can during the weekend.”