Australian Joey Mawson will be back in action for Round Five of the 2018 GP3 Series this weekend in Budapest, Hungary.

The PODIUM-backed driver will be competing at the Hungaroring with a focus on adding to his championship points tally during the two races to be contested around the 4.381km circuit.

“After a bit of a break I’m excited to be back in the car this weekend at the Hungaroring. It is a very unique circuit, it’s pretty tight and technical,” said Mawson.

“Since the last round we’ve really been focused on improving our race pace and I’ve got my sights set on being inside the top eight for the opening race.  Then aiming for the podium from there for race two.”

With the drivers in the GP3 Series using the soft compound tyre for this weekend’s event, compared to the medium compound at the corresponding event in 2017, Mawson believes this is something that could provide him with a slight advantage.

“With the softer compound tyre being used this year it is a bit of a reset for everyone and provides less of an advantage to those who were here last year,” said Mawson.

“It means that the times will be faster than last year but at the same time tyre degradation will play an important role, which should provide some exciting racing.”

Mawson will take to the circuit aboard his Arden Motorsport-prepared Dallara for practice on Friday morning.  In a change from previous rounds, qualifying will be contested on Saturday morning (10:45am) ahead of Race One at 6:30pm. Race Two will launch into action at 10:05am on Sunday morning.

WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Local Time
Practice – Friday July 27 – 9:30am
Qualifying – Saturday July 28 – 10:45am
Race 1 – Saturday July 28 – 6:30pm
Race 2 – Sunday July 29 – 10:05am

AEST
Practice – Friday July 27 – 5:30pm
Qualifying – Saturday July 28 – 6:45pm
Race 1 – Sunday July 29 – 2:30am
Race 2 – Sunday July 29 – 6:05pm