GB3 contenders Callum Voisin and Joseph Loake appeared on the main stage at the Autosport International Show at the Birmingham NEC today (Friday) as the duo begin preparations for their new seasons in FIA F3.
The pair discussed their careers so far with stage host Bryn Lucas, plus their competitive seasons in GB3 last year, which saw Voisin emerge as champion and Loake secure the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Award.
After a fierce fight for the GB3 title in 2023, both will team up at Rodin Motorsport in 2024, as they move up to the FIA F3 Championship as teammates.
“First of all, we want to beat each other!” Voisin quipped. “But it’s important that we work well together, we will turn up at Bahrain and see where we are in pre-season testing, and wherever we are, we will have to deal with it and keep chipping away at it. We’ll work well together and I think we’ll get some good results.”
For Loake, he’s excited about the challenges that lie ahead as he moves up into the F1 support arena.
“Callum and I know each other’s strengths and weaknesses from racing against each other last year and we can use that to good effect. It can help us develop the car and the team throughout the year.”
The duo, who believe their similar driving styles will benefit the team, also stated that Monaco was the circuit they were most looking forward to racing on in 2024.
“Just looking at it from an F1 perspective, qualifying day there is going to be pretty special” Voisin said. “Being so close to the walls, going through the tunnel. I actually used to live there when I was younger so it’s almost like going home and being on the streets that I kind of grew up on. I’m really looking forward to it, it’s the most prestigious race [meeting] in all of motorsport.”
Loake also had the opportunity to reflect on the biggest night of his career so far, when he claimed the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year Award back in December.
“Just having the opportunity to present yourself in front of the incredible people that were there, the judges, the people that run Silverstone, the Aston Martin team, all the people that are watching you and analysing what you do. It was stressful and nerve wracking at the time, but it was so enjoyable. It was incredible even just to be there. To actually win it, that was something that I didn’t expect.”
As for his F3 campaign, Loake will get his first taste of the car in February, as unlike Voisin, he was unable to participate in the post-season testing in the Autumn.
“I have absolutely zero [experience of the car]. I’m throwing myself in at the deep end having not done the post-season tests, so it’s going to be a challenge for me. I’ve not driven the car before, I’ve not even seen one up close, so it’s definitely going to be tricky. But I don’t see why I can’t adapt quickly, and I’ve got Callum alongside me as well and we’ll be able to learn from each other.”
After their appearance on the main stage, the pair also took part in a panel discussion at the Business Forum. Loake will be back on the main stage on Saturday at 1pm.
For more information on the Autosport International Show, including ticket details, click here.