Randle details 'unbelievable' Formula 3.5 laps
A return to the seat of a Formula V8 3.5 car proved a test for open-wheel prodigy Thomas Randle.
Tickford Racing driver Randle took to The Bend Motorsport Park on Tuesday.
There, the 2020 Super2 champion lapped a V8 3.5 car for the first time in nearly seven years.
Randle made a two-round cameo in the 2016 Formula V8 3.5 Series for Comtec Racing.
It came after he finished fourth in the 2016 British Formula 3 Championship.
Randle raced at the Spanish Jerez and Barcelona circuits. A year later, he won the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand.
A Supercars career followed, but ahead of the 2023 season, Randle found himself back in the seat of a V8 3.5.
Randle was referred to owner Yasser Shahin by former engineer Marcus Koch to drive the car, which brought Randle full circle.
“The old neck... I’m not used to those G forces,” Randle told Supercars.com of Tuesday’s laps.
Jerez, 2016
“Three-and-half Gs through the Turns 8-9-10 section… it’s hectic.
“In that car, it's double the length of Pouhon [at Spa Francorchamps] at the same amount of G force.
“At [Turn] 8, you think, ‘It’s not too bad’. Turn 9, it’s getting worse. Then 10, it’s like, ‘My neck’s about to rip off my shoulders’.
“It’s an unbelievable car. I last drove one in 2016, I did the last two rounds with Comtec Racing.
“I did British F3 that year… I learnt about the car and did some data engineering on the side.
“They asked what I was up to, and it went from there.
“It’s probably my favourite race car I’ve ever driven.”
Randle has recent open-wheel experience, having finished second in the 2021 S5000 season.
He has since centred his career on Supercars, which weigh twice as much as a V8 3.5.
Randle also spent Tuesday helping Shahin sharpen his tools for the upcoming LIQUI MOLY Bathurst 12 Hour.
The 26-year-old will return for a second season with Tickford Racing alongside Cam Waters, James Courtney and newcomer Declan Fraser.
“It’s unbelievable what that car can do,” said Randle, who was also joined by Tickford engineer Raymond Lau.
“It makes a tonne and a half of downforce… it doesn’t even weigh 700kg.
“It’s pretty incredible what it’s capable of. It’s an amazing car.
“You couldn’t get two more polar opposite cars compared to the Gen3 car.
“Because you’re going so fast… it’s great hand-eye coordination, your fine motor skills get tested.
“My old engineer Marcus referred me to Yasser, and we went from there. I’ve got to thank them, it was awesome."
The 2023 Repco Supercars Championship will commence in Newcastle on March 10-12.
Tickets are on sale on Supercars.com and Ticketek.com.
