Written by: Goose
A new feature I’m gonna be doing every few weeks is having a quick Q&A with our F1 Drivers, Getting their views on their seasons so far and how they can see the season going forward.
First up is Division 3 leader and our very own Race Director payne wales
Four races in and you’re leading Division 3 by a single point — how does that feel?
Feels great got to be happy with 2 wins a 3rd and a 4th so far still 8 races to go so I'm not getting carried away just yet.
Did you expect to be fighting at the front this early in the season?
Yes when I looked at the division I knew as long as I stayed away from 1st lap trouble I would be up there challenging.
Which race so far do you think defined your season up to this point?
Definitely the opening race at Bahrain I took the division pole and win to set me on my way with confidence.
The Kick Sauber isn’t always seen as a top-tier pick — what made you choose that car?
It was a tough one where to put myself this season and I was prob the only one to go to div 3 the others in contention would have walked it so I had to give myself a slow car and the sauber kick was the choice
How well do you feel you’ve adapted to the characteristics of the Kick Sauber?
Great to be honest what it lacks in speed on the long straights it makes up for at corners as I find it handles well.
Do you feel the car gives you more confidence in qualifying or in races?
Tough one I have started great taking 3 poles and 2 wins so I would say Qualifying as a great start in the grid makes all the difference.
Being ahead by such a narrow margin, do you feel any pressure to maintain the lead?
Not really Gaz has surprised me a little as in previous season he would pull over when cars arrived on his gearbox but this season he has dedo put his elbows out and pushed on
I thought swanseavillans would give me a test but he isn't even in my mirror when I look back.
Is that 1-point gap motivating or frustrating?
Frustrating I was coasting in china and with 4 laps remaining stayed out on the inters and in the final sector of the final lap I got a puncture and saw the comfortable win slip away and finish 4th.
How do you cope mentally when you know one mistake could cost you the top spot?
It does have an effect when the chasing car is making small gains but so far I haven't struggled I'm just enjoying my driving at the moment.
Who do you see as your main rival for the title at the moment?
Well I thought it would be swanseavillans he has been challenging me on time trials last season so joined up but it seams Gaz has stepped up in that Redbull so I'm more concerned about Gaz than anyone else.
Any close battles or incidents in the opening rounds that stand out?
Well swanseavillans got close enough one race and I had to be a bit aggressive defensively to keep him behind but nothing major so far.
Do you think the field has improved compared to last season?
Yes Gaz is getting quicker Berty is quick and never picks up any time penalties and s8ty looks decent at times maverick is also finishing races 
What’s been the biggest learning curve for you this season?
I haven't really had any.
Have you made any big strategy gambles so far, or have you kept it safe
Yes I can't remember now was it china or Belgium we had the wet race I stayed out on inters and got a puncture that cost me the easy win as Ihad drive a great race that week.
How much practice time do you usually put in before each race?
I prob do around 20-25 laps a week ahead of the race there is always that one corner I lose time on so I keep going until I can master it.
What’s your goal going into the next few rounds — defend or extend the lead?
Definitely extend it's to tight at the moment to defend I need to open up a bigger lead in the Division 3 championship.
Is there a specific track coming up that you think will be a turning point?
Not really I enjoy all the tracks so I will take each race as it comes.
If you do go on to win Division 3, what would that achievement mean to you?
Always great to win a championship but winning div 3 won't top my championship winning season in div 2 few seasons back.
Again thanks for your time mate
No problem it's a pleasure