Victor Martins’ Silverstone Weekend In His Words

10 July 2023

After three pole positions in his rookie Formula 2 campaign, Victor Martins proved that the third time is the charm. Even an in-race penalty couldn’t stand in his way as he channelled that frustration into a memorable maiden victory in the Silverstone Feature Race.

Follow the ART Grand Prix driver’s thoughts a triumphant visit to the legendary British circuit. Leading a 1-3 finish for the team alongside teammate Théo Pourchaire, the Frenchman reflected on how vital performances like these are for their aspirations – both elevating him into the top five title fight and clawing back valuable ground in the Teams’ Standings.

PRACTICE – P2

“It’s a super feeling, I really love the track. I like high-speed corners and there are a few sections that are full of them like Maggotts and Becketts, Copse and Stowe are really nice. Even Turn 1 (Abbey) is a fast one and with a Formula 2 car it feels amazing to get the grip in those corners, it’s really challenging.

“I think the session went really well. From the first push I was up there in P1 and then, everything that came after was just a confirmation of my driving, the car balance and getting my reference points for Qualifying. Also, in which direction to go with into Qualifying with the softs. Honestly, it was a great Free Practice, I’m really confident and happy with the car, and we’ve prepared well for Qualifying.

QUALIFYING – P1

“Obviously that was a great Qualifying session. Straight from the first set of softs I was P1 with a bit of a margin. Then there was the Red Flag, but we remained focused on the job we had to do. What we had in our hands was all the procedures, how to warm up and get the tyres in the window. Also, the driving, what I could have done better from the first set to the second compared to Théo.

“That was a clean lap. I wouldn’t say it’s the best lap I have done in Formula 2, but it was a clean one and I’m proud of it because it shows that sometimes you only need a clean and proper lap. You don’t need to be with the knife under your neck and trying to find lap time everywhere. That was where the car was super strong, I felt great with the balance and we nailed it, so it was a good feeling.

“I think I already found my stride over one lap in the F2 car since a few rounds ago. I know some key points about the car, how to use it and how to maximise everything over one lap to try to use it in every area where the car is strong, under braking and the stability of the car. I think I’ve learnt and found some things on that, so now it’s just about keeping our head down, even for future Qualifying sessions. I feel that we will always be able to fight for pole, since Austria I’ve had this feeling.”

SPRINT RACE – P7

“It was not an easy race. It was really, really wet at the start of the race with some aquaplaning in the car, a lot of water and not good visibility, so it was quite tricky out there. The goal was just to stay on the track, not do mistakes, to keep the car okay and to stay calm, just waiting to have better visibility and conditions.

“The pace wasn’t that bad, honestly, I had a good one. I was trying some overtakes but wasn’t actually successful. I had a good fight with Enzo Fittipaldi at some point. There was a moment where I think I could have done a bit better, which would have changed the end result a lot, but P7 is still good points and with no mistakes. Then, I knew I was starting on pole for tomorrow, so we just did a clean race.”

FEATURE RACE – P1

“My first win feels amazing. Of course, I’ve been waiting a lot for that one. I’ve had the opportunity and the chance to do it before, but I wasn’t always doing everything perfectly, there was always a small mistake either mentally or just in the car. Simply just locking up at some point, having a bad start or some stuff like that. Today we maximised everything. Of course, I got a five-second time penalty at some point, but the pace was super strong so I used that opportunity to pull a gap in front and in the end, we made it. I’m so happy for the team, we were waiting for that one. It’s kind of opening the box, when you have your first win it gives you the confidence for the future, so I think it will be good for afterwards.

“When I got the penalty, I was just like it will make my life really hard again to make it happen, but the win is for me. The pace on the softs was just amazing and then I knew I had the pace on the hard tyres, but five seconds is a lot, it’s not nothing. With 10 laps, it’s like you need to Qualifying laps lap after lap, so of course, I pushed hard.

“I knew it was possible, but until I had done it, there was a bit of pressure and I was angry because at that moment I couldn’t do anything. I couldn’t discuss it with anyone except my engineer, so we tried to remain focused, stay calm and that’s what we did. No mistakes, the pace was amazing and lap after lap I got to a seven-second gap, which was good.

“I’m enjoying the moment now; it feels like a great win. It’s not only a win, but it also felt like a big one. Even to do it here, I know the track layout, I really love the Silverstone circuit and its history, there’s a lot of legend behind this track. The fans and everyone are amazing and we were all waiting for that one. To finally do it was good and I could see that everyone in the team was happy and sharing the podium with Théo, the whole team was happy in the end. So, it feels good.

“It was so important for Théo and I to get points for the team. We were laughing about it in the morning saying how many points we could recover for the Teams’ Championship if we did everything right. I would say we did almost perfectly with a 1-3. What we could have done better was a 1-2, but he was starting P8 so it’s never easy to come back like that, so I’ll say we maximised everything.

“We have our personal goals, but we also have the Teams’ Championship and ART’s goals, targets and what they want to do. Our personal performance can make a huge difference for the team and for their future. We know that we influence a lot because we as the drivers score the points, but it’s really important for the team. We had a great car today because of them and that we had the possibility to score these two podiums. We thanked them, the car was amazing for Théo and I and we’ll have many more opportunities again.

“We don’t really focus on PREMA. For sure, we focus on doing a great job, to score big points and then we know that in the end, it’s giving points to the team. We don’t actually try to recover to focus on overtaking PREMA. We will overtake them if we focus on the right things and Théo and I will bring them the Teams’ title.

UP NEXT – HEADING TO THE HUNGARORING INSIDE THE TOP FIVE

“I don’t want to look at the Drivers’ Championship. I know that if I keep performing like this, I will be a title contender, but there are still five rounds to go. There will be a lot of points to take and there will be many opportunities if we keep working like this personally, with my engineer, but also with Théo and the team.

“We need to wait and see what’s happening, but every time we need to reevaluate the situation to maximise the moment. Today, I think we did our best and now there will be a one-week break before we go to Budapest and Spa. Two weekends in a row, I don’t know what will happen there. If I keep performing like this, for sure I will jump forward in the Championship, but this will be done naturally if I’m doing the right things on the track.

“I’m looking forward to them. Doing two weekends in a row is so good for us, as drivers we keep driving, we keep doing what we love to do. Also, the atmosphere and the human side that you create with your team, it’s a pleasure. Looking forward to Budapest and Spa, they’re one of the best tracks on the calendar. I want to be there; I will rest and enjoy the moment now and then we will go into them.”