Wickens eyes podium at Monza

The Canadian topped the times during the final pre-season test at Barcelona in Spain and, although having never raced at Monza before, he is upbeat about his chances of a good result for Carlin Motorsport.

"It's good to finish the last pre-season test quickest, we've developed the car as I like it, so I'm confident ahead of the first race," said Wickens, who raced for Carlin in the final two events last year.

"I haven't been to Monza before, but I'm used to learning new circuits quickly and we have quite a lot of track time before the qualifying sessions. I'm excited that the season is finally getting underway, the new car is good and I think this weekend will show which teams have got to grips with it.

"I'm confident that both Carlin cars will be consistently quick and we should be aiming for podiums, if not a win."

Carlin's chances of a good result look good on paper, with their other driver Mikhail Aleshin having won at Monza last year.

"It feels good to be going back to the circuit where I won last year," said the Russian. "We know we have a strong setup and can be quick. Realistically we need to be aiming for a victory again this year."

But team principal Trevor Carlin is well aware that the most important thing this weekend will be coming away with a good haul of points.

"Consistency will be the key to strong season," said Carlin. "So it will be important to get a good result at Monza."