Formula Renault champion Sacha Fenestraz claims the “mini F1” Formula 3 cars are a big step up from the Renault championship, but believes he’s managed the jump.
Fenestraz is one of four rookies who spent 2017 racing in the Renault series. He made his F3 debut with a one off appearance late last season, before starting his first full time championship with Carlin this year.
After dominating the Renault series last year, Fenestraz took his first F3 win in front of his home crowd at Pau in the opening round of the season, but hasn’t managed to take the top step of the podium since.
The Renault Academy driver believes the step up to Formula 3 was big, but added that he was expecting the jump.
“It’s a pretty big step [from Renault to F3],” he told Read Motorsport.
“I’m driving the Formula 1 simulator with Renault and it feels like a little F1 car, just slower on the straights and everything. But the driving is similar to an F1 car, just slower.
“It’s a pretty big step, but obviously manageable.
“I was expecting it, just surprised about he amount of downforce on the corners. It was just unbelievable.”
Fenestraz is currently 11th in the drivers’ standings, having fallen behind team-mate Jehan Daruvala after a difficult weekend at Misano.
