Goethe sets sights on Imola pole after going fastest in Free Practice

Oliver Goethe is targeting pole position in this afternoon’s Imola Qualifying session after the Campos Racing driver’s fine form in Free Practice saw him top the timesheets.On his final effort of the 45-minute session, the German driver rounded the track to complete a lap of 1:32.047. This put him over three-tenths clear of Hitech Pulse-Eight’s Luke Browning in second, while his teammate Mari Boya was third, over half a second behind.Reflecting on Practice, Goethe said: “It was a very good session, there were a couple Red Flags which disturbed everyone's sequence. But, in the end, we still managed to do a few laps, I think everyone managed to do a few laps so for me that's the important thing. PRACTICE: Goethe sets the pace for Campos Racing “I learned some stuff, especially the changes to the track, new gravel traps and new kerbs, so that was important. In general, I felt really happy, the car felt good, and the pace was clearly good as well.”Those changes to the track involve a number of kerbs that have been altered around the circuit, while gravel traps have also been placed at Aqua Minerali and Gresini, and Goethe admits he is “wary” of these new additions.“You're wary of it, like when they add new gravel especially in high-speed zones,” he admitted. “It looks a bit scarier of course, so it's normal that on the first push you maybe take it a bit easier. Goethe is targeting pole position in Imola after going fastest in Free Practice“But at the end of the day it is the same track just the kerbs are different and of course to be at the top you need to find the limit. So, you kind of have to ignore the fact that there is gravel there and still push it even if there is not a lot of runoff area.”Goethe and Campos’ pace comes off the back of a strong in-season test in Barcelona last month. The Spanish team set the fastest times on days two and three, and the Red Bull Junior Team driver says confidence high within the group ahead of this race weekend.READ MORE: Vosin and Tsolov handed grid penalties after Imola Practice “For sure the test was really good,” continued Goethe. “The team did a great job there and the car has felt really good over the last few days that I’ve driven it. It's important to carry that momentum, the confidence is high, and that's what’s needed to get results.“Of course, you need a bit of everything but for me I believe confidence is a huge factor for the team and for the driver as well. Of course, if you are not confident you can't be pushing to the limit, and you won't be as quick.”As for what is possible in Qualifying later today, Goethe responds: “Anything is possible. Of course, after that Free Practice I want to fight for pole, and I think that's definitely possible… I am ready for what's to come.”