10 With Ben: Season Review Q&A

With two rounds contested in the 2022 Australian F3 Championship, and the third one fast approaching in Victoria, we sat down with Ben Taylor about how the season is going so far.

Q1. Ben, how did it feel to get back into racing the TMR #25 UCS Group F3 for the first two rounds after such a long break?

It was a great feeling, I really love these cars and the racing that comes with it. Last year was so difficult having only one round, and all the delays with cancelling the other rounds. So 2022 feels like a normal racing season again which is exiting. I’ve waited too long to have some consistency.

Q2. The Bend in South Australia was a new track for you, how did you prepare for a circuit you’ve never driven or tested on?

I did a lot of simulator work and watched hours of onboard video. It prepares you a little bit but the only way is to get on the track and learn fast. 

Q3. And what were your impressions of the circuit?

Definitely one of the coolest tracks I have driven; it’s right up there with Phillip Island. It has a very European feel to it and the facilities are the best I’ve experienced.

Q4. Qualifying didn’t go to plan - explain the technical issues you experienced?

Unfortunately I had a pinched wire under the seat that controls the shifter so it wasn’t ideal. I guess racing can’t all go to plan but it did put us behind initially.

Q5. You drove some mega races to climb from the rear of the field into the top-five… how did you feel charging through during the races?

As much as its not the place you want to start, being only my third car race weekend I really enjoyed the experience I gained. I just focussed on not getting tangled up with other cars and pass as many as I can. The races were only 10 or 12 laps long so I didn’t have a lot of time on my hands, I just had to go for it.

Q6. Finishing in the top-5 for all three races was a credible effort. What positives did you take away from it?

I was pretty happy being inside the first five finishers considering our qualifying result but it’s not were I want to be. A huge positive to come out of it was that I got lots of experience passing cars. I know I have the pace to win races and that’s what I’m focused on now. 

Q7. What are some areas of your racing you feel you want to work on before Round 3?

Still my starts are not great and being quicker earlier on cold tyres is something I’ll focus on improving.

Q8. You race at Winton Raceway in a few weeks, it’s your home track. Does that give you confidence being a circuit you know so well?

I definitely know the track well, it seems like we’ve done more testing miles there than actual racing so I’m looking forward to it swapping that around. Tim and the team have my setup sorted so I’m going into Round 3 feeling I’ll be a contender for race wins and improve my championship position.

Q9. Do you still need to prepare a lot for Round 3 even though you’re familiar with the circuit?

I always prepare. There’s simulator work, analysing data from testing, looking through onboard vision, then there’s going to the gym too to keep my physical strength up. There is always work you can do to be better all round.

Q10. Last year was a difficult season not being able to race in front of fans and family. Are you looking forward to that as well?

Absolutely. I’ve only raced at Sydney Motorsport Park and at The Bend, so it’s gonna be a nice change racing in Victoria and having my family and friends there to support me. I have to give a big thank you to all the team at Tim Macrow Racing, UCS Group and my supporters for encouraging me this year, and hopefully we can get some more race wins to repay their support.

Round 3 of the 2022 Australian F3 Championship will be held at Winton Raceway from June 10-12, 2022.