Bianca Bustamante arrived in the UK fresh from weeks of intensive training and a successful two-day Indy Pro 2000 test in the USA. Despite a 5-week break from the previous W Series round in Barcelona, Bustamante was ready to go racing again at the iconic Silverstone Circuit. In typical British fashion, the weekend was filled with spots of rain coming through on several occasions. Bustamante was ready for the challenge, arriving prepared following hours of sim training as well as watching various onboard videos to gain as much circuit knowledge as possible.
Unlike most traditional race weekends, W Series runs as a support event to Formula 1 hence limiting track time, allowing for only one 30-minute practice session before going directly into the 30-minute qualifying session. This is followed by the race the next day, leaving little track time to find the limits of the car. This has precisely been the problem for Bustamante, with only limited mileage in single-seater formula cars, she has been on the back foot since day one. However, she continues to work hard to study data and understand the driving techniques required to drive the Formula 3 machinery fast, and has shown improvement in every sector as the weekend progressed. Bustamante ultimately finished P17 in Silverstone, leaving with more knowledge and experience as her season nears the halfway mark.
Bustamante has proven her ability to understand how her car behaves and adapt. She is focused heavily on gaining track experience this season, as being a rookie means learning new circuits at ever round of the 10 race championship. Bustamante is heading back to the Philippines for two weeks before the championship returns to Le Castellet on the 22nd of July.
Bianca Bustamante | Driver, #9 of W Series Academy Team
“That’s a wrap for my first ever British Grand Prix. What an amazing atmosphere! I have never seen such energy in the crowd. I learned so much about myself as a driver, really wish I was able to show more. In the end, I just wasn't able to progress quickly enough. Qualified P17. Finished P17 in the race. Using this as motivation to keep on improving, a long way to go but taking it one race at a time. In races like these, I focus on the positives and learn from my shortcomings. I believe in my ability to come back stronger! Now all eyes are on France as we head there in 2 weeks. Thankful to the team and crew as always! Silverstone was amazing, cant wait to comeback next year!”
