Mathilda Paatz experienced a rollercoaster of emotions on the second race weekend of the French Formula 4 Championship in Ledenon: although the 15-year-old put in a solid performance in all sessions, technical problems with her Formula 4 car slowed her down several times. In addition, the hill-and-valley circuit in the south of France is particularly demanding and energy-sapping, which pushed Paatz to her physical limits. Nevertheless, the ADAC Sports Foundation protégée made a good impression, which she underpinned with a 17th place in the second race. After a promising start in Nogaro, Paatz once again proved her potential in the fiercely contested championship.
As at the season opener six weeks ago, when the young drivers had to contend with heavy rain, the second race weekend in Ledenon was also characterised by the weather: summery conditions made qualifying and the three races on the most demanding race track on this year's calendar a test of endurance for man and material. The sessions on the winding race track were also very physically challenging for Paatz, and the young racing driver also struggled with her car at the start of the weekend: she finished 22nd on the grid in qualifying and crossed the finish line in 21st position in the first race.
It was only after the first race that the French mechanics realised that the 15-year-old's car was set up differently to the cars of her competitors. In the French Formula 4 championship, which uses standardised cars that are prepared by a central service provider, every change is a major disadvantage. The adjustments to the set-up ultimately brought the desired success: the German Sports Drivers' Association protégée got off to a good start in the second race and significantly improved her lap times. With impressive overtaking manoeuvres, Paatz fought her way up to 16th place over the course of the race and was already sniffing at 15th place, her self-imposed goal for the weekend, before she was overtaken by a competitor shortly before the finish. "I ran out of steam a bit at the end, so I couldn't really defend myself," admits the schoolgirl.
"I'm getting on better and better"
Nevertheless, the 17th place brought back the confidence to achieve the targeted 15th place in the third and final race. Shortly after the start, however, Paatz noticed a loss of power, which forced her to retire prematurely. In the pits, the mechanics realised that the turbocharger hose had come loose. After a successful repair, the schoolgirl returned to the track to gain valuable experience for the remaining races of the season.
Despite these setbacks, Paatz remains optimistic and is already looking ahead to the challenges ahead: "It was a mixed weekend with ups and downs. I know that I have the speed to keep up with the front runners and I am confident that I can show that in the next races. On my second race weekend in Formula 4, I'm still learning and making great progress with every lap! I'm getting to grips with the car better and better and after the weekend in Ledenon I also know that I still need to improve physically: Strength and stamina are important factors that ultimately decide whether you win or lose!"
The third race weekend of the French Formula 4 Championship will take place at the Formula 1 circuit in Spa-Francorchamps from 21 to 23 June. Paatz wants to make further progress on the Belgian Ardennes rollercoaster not far from his home in Germany.
Write a comment