Novalak: “I will ride under the French flag from now on”

Franco-Swiss and British resident, you rode with the Union Jack flag in 2020. It seems that things are evolving on that front…

Eh yes ! I will ride under the French flag from now on. There are still a few administrative details to sort out, but everything should be good from the first tests. I am entering increasingly international categories. In karting and F3 English, I paid little attention to it, but my roots are French. I haven't lived there much, but I was born there and every time I take a train or a plane in France, I feel at home, so it was important to make the change. And then hearing the Marseillaise, if I manage to win races, is something that motivates me. I am happy to represent France.

After a first year at Carlin (12th) in a struggling team, you join Trident. Why this choice ?

We had great chemistry with the team, engineering and me during the end-of-season tests. It’s a great place to grow as a driver, perform and have a great season.

However, you have been approached by teams of F2...

I was indeed approached, but my thinking was to tell myself that the level in F2 was very high. Then I had decided for a while that I was going to do another year in F3. I considered a double F2-F3 program, which is why I drove in the end-of-season F2 tests. But my goal really being F3, I didn't want to be mentally exhausted with the changes of cars and championships, and arrive at the end of the season with regrets. I am confident of having good results this year in F3 and then having a good place in F2 next year.

A quick word on the new F3 format with fewer meetings, but more races?

There will be two reverse races in addition to the main race. I liked this format in English F3. Afterwards, it is sure that it is harder to overtake in FIA F3, but that will leave more opportunities for everyone to win races. This can create more irregular performances and open up the championship even more than last year. It's good for the spectators. It's going to be nice, even if thinking that we're starting 10th after taking pole will be strange to deal with. I find it generally amusing.

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