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British Formula 4 and Supporting Races Showcase Early Season Drama
The opening weekend of the British Formula 4 at Donington Park delivered a thrilling start to the season, featuring three distinct winners in the first three races and seven different drivers making their way to the podium, underscoring the anticipated competitiveness of the championship.
In the first race, Argenti driver August Raber seized the spotlight, overcoming pole-sitter Henry Joslyn of Fortec. Joslyn initially led into Redgate but quickly lost ground as Raber, starting from third, maneuvered into second place after overtaking Hitech’s Fionn McLaughlin. By lap three, Raber had executed a daring move at Redgate to take the lead.
“The plan formed midway through the lap,” Raber said, reflecting on his decisive maneuver. “You have to be ready to make an early move, or you risk losing grip in dirty air. I focused on getting on the throttle early and positioned myself behind him to avoid detection. Fortunately, he didn’t block my advance, allowing me to dive inside.”
Raber managed to create a comfortable gap as he headed towards victory, while McLaughlin secured second place following a clash between Joslyn and Rodin’s Jimmy Piszcyk, which culminated in Joslyn crashing out on lap eight. Piszcyk later received a five-second penalty for a false start, ultimately promoting Tommy Harfield (CDR) to the final podium position.
Chase Fernandez Achieves First Series Win
In the second race, Xcel Motorsport’s Chase Fernandez claimed his first victory in the series despite the event being curtailed, marking a significant milestone for the team. Fernandez took the lead right after the lights went out, maintaining it amid pressure from Martin Molnar, who had moved into second by lap 12. However, the race’s conclusion was abrupt due to a red flag after Ella Lloyd experienced a puncture.
Piszcyk emerged victorious in the final race, as both Raber and McLaughlin faced penalties for exceeding track limits. While Raber had led the way, Piszcyk capitalized on their misfortune to secure the win.
“We had a solid start and managed to fend off Joslyn, who initially led,” Piszcyk remarked. “We held steady in third while the leaders faltered.” Harfield and Molnar completed the podium, echoing the competitive spirit that has characterized the start of the season.
Trice Tops the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB
Toby Trice’s performance in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB was remarkable, with the driver reaffirming his prowess throughout the races. In the opener, Toro Verde’s Tom Bradshaw took the win, albeit after Trice suffered damage in an early clash that affected his positioning.
Despite this setback, Trice managed to battle back in race two, narrowly outpacing Bradshaw in the final moments after the latter misjudged a corner. “Toby’s error allowed me to slip by,” Bradshaw commented post-race. Ultimately, Trice dominated race three after Bradshaw was forced to retire early, leaving Trice unchallenged through the remainder of the contest.
“I feel completely in sync with the car, it’s incredibly responsive,” Trice explained, reflecting on his successful weekend.
Jamie Osborne Dominates the Mini Challenge
In a standout performance, Jamie Osborne secured victory in all three Mini Challenge races, becoming the first competitor to achieve this feat since 2018. Osborne’s dominance was evident from the start, as he led wire-to-wire in the opening race, with teammate Lewis Selby finishing in second. Despite a mid-race red flag, Osborne maintained his position, showcasing his impressive control.
In race two, with the grid reversed, Osborne again drove to victory after rising through the ranks amidst fierce competition from Civic Cup champion Max Edmundson. The third race concluded early due to an incident involving Alex Solley, but Osborne managed to overtake polesitter Ovenden for yet another win.
Angus Whiteside Leads in Carrera Cup GB Action
The Porsche Carrera Cup GB season kicked off with drama from the outset, as reigning Pro-Am champion Angus Whiteside left Donington Park with an unexpected points lead. Following an opening lap incident that saw William Jenkins spun out, it was Will Martin who claimed victory, holding off the competition effortlessly.
Race two provided even more excitement, with Rackstraw narrowly edging out Whiteside in a gripping finish, as the two drivers battled fiercely for position throughout. Whiteside noted the challenges he faced with tire and brake management as the race progressed. “It was a struggle to keep pace, especially towards the end,” he remarked, indicating the intense conditions on the track.
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