Xcel Motorsport’s Ricardo Baptista has twice equalled his personal best GB3 race result with two 10th-placed finishes this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.
The Brazilian had two finishes inside the top 10 prior to this round, with those coming in the Budapest reverse-grid and the second race of the year at Silverstone.
For the first two races, Baptista started 17th and 15th respectively, following a challenging qualifying session.
“We had good practice sessions but unfortunately, in qualifying, we couldn’t put a good lap together,” he explained.
However, whilst multiple drivers around him were hit with track limits penalties, Baptista avoided trouble and battled his way through the crowd.
“We’ve had two good races,” he said. “I kept myself within the track limits and managed to make some good moves, so I’m satisfied with the top 10s for now and it’s been a positive weekend overall.”
Baptista explained that the Red Bull Ring circuit, which has played host to the Formula 1 Austrian Grand Prix since 2014, allows for drivers to continuously battle – something he has enjoyed.
“It’s very hard for one car to open a gap when there is a car close behind so there ends up being many battles,” he said. “If you have DRS and the guy in front doesn’t, it’s almost a certainty that you will battle.
“It’s very characteristic from this track and, so far, there have been some very nice battles and it’s very fun to race.”
Similarly to in race one, Baptista will start the reverse grid final race from 17th and shall look to add to the 12 positions gained he was already achieved this weekend in order to gain further points.
“I will try to repeat race two and chase the battles as much as possible,” he said. “We have chances to overtake the cars in front and, because it is a reverse grid, there is usually more action. So, I’ll just give my best and hope for the best result I can get.”
The final race of the weekend is due to start at 14.15 local time (CEST).