Calan Williams in round four of the Australian Formula 3 Premier Series.
Camera IconCalan Williams in round four of the Australian Formula 3 Premier Series. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Formula 3 Premier Series: Calan Williams’ Phillip Island debut a success

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

CALAN Williams had a very successful Phillip Island grand prix circuit debut last month.

With three wins from three races, the Edgewater 16-year-old now has a solid lead after four rounds of the 2017 Australian Formula 3 Premier Series.

“Having never raced here, I was eager to get out on track and have a look at what it had to offer and it’s easy to say that this is the best circuit I have raced on by far,” he said.

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“The fast, flowing nature of the circuit, combined with its cambered corners and elevation changes makes it extremely quick – a top speed of 245km/h and an average lap speed of 190km/h.”

This was also Williams’ first “proper session” racing an F3 on a wet track, with the first practice giving him “some good experience in wet conditions”.

“But the second practice was much drier and allowed me to get my first taste of the truly fast nature of the circuit,” he said.

Though qualifying also started dry, the rain soon started again and despite having to return to the pits for new tyres, Williams still managed to take pole position – making it four from four for the series.

With overnight rain, the circuit was again wet for race one but the challenge didn’t stop Williams, taking the lead from turn two and holding on to win comfortably.

The second race was run with a reverse top-four grid, with Williams starting in fourth spot but it didn’t take long for him to move to the front of the pack and again, win with an extended lead.

Williams was back to pole position for the third race where he got away to a good start and held the lead to the end, making it a clean sweep for the round.

He now sits on 144 points for the series ahead of John Magro, who is racing his third season of Australian F3, on 107 points.

Williams is a nominee in the Community Newspaper Group’s Local Sports Stars awards.

Entries closed on August 31.

Visit www.localsportsstars.com.au to see all nominees.

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