F.3 – At Monza Latifi finishes a racing season during which he has so much progressed

The races run on Monza track marked the end of the Italian F3 European Series Championship and the end of Nicholas Latifi’ first racing season behind the wheel of a Formula car.

After scoring a fabulous win at Valleunga and finishing second at the Enzo and Dino Ferrari circuit in Imola, this time, the northern Italian track hasn’t brought good luck to the 17-year-old Italian-Canadian racer who has run a defensive race and has managed to finish fifth in race-2.
Behind the wheel of his Mygale #18, the driver of JD Motorsport Team hasn’t found the right feeling with the long straights. The post-race at Monza has brought back a smile, as things have changed a lot. After some complaints, technical checks and appeals, because of which the 8 Dallaras have been disqualified, Nicholas Latifi finished second in race-3. As far as standing is concerned, we’ll be all awaiting the TNA trial.
Beyond the “extra-track” events, the experience gained by Nicholas Latifi during his first season behind the wheel of a demanding and formative car such as a Formula car, will be useful to race in the 2013 racing season. The young driver has demonstrated to be talented enough to fight against more experienced drivers.
Nicholas Latifi: “I was a bit disappointed with the result at Monza, coming off my win from Valellunga, I was very confident coming into this weekend and set my sites on another top 3 result. Monza is the track I have tested on the least, as we had a lot of mechanical issues at the test earlier in September and I lost most of my sessions. In the end, I was pleased with my improvement and in the final race I was happy with the car balance allowing me to run my fastest laps at Monza.”
David (driver coach): “Nicholas did a great job in every session, working hard to find a balance on the ultra-low down force Monza Circuit. He progressed over the 3 days and was able to elevate his performance from qualifying turning in some good solid race performances. With the 2012 season now at an end we are looking forward to develop our 2013 program.”
Giovanni Minardi (sport consultant): “Unfortunately it has been an unlucky final racing weekend and drivers will have no chance to reply. It’s been an intensive season, Nicholas has learned so much and has grown so much. The post-race events make the track verdict a little less bitter, even if now it’s time to think about 2013 racing season”.