Jamie Caroline’s stellar start to the 2017 F4 British Championship certified by FIA –campaign shows no sign of relenting as F1’s stars of tomorrowhead to the fastest circuit in Britain, Thruxton, over the weekend of 6/7 May. The Carlin ace added another two wins to his name at Donington Park and extended his margin at the top of the standings to 40 points.
His fourth victory of the season was vintage Caroline and wheel-to-wheel racing at its very best. The Pirtek Racing-backed star went from sixth to first in one lap, scything through the order with some audacious overtaking. Should Caroline not find himself at the front expect more of the same.
There are plenty of challengers aiming to stand in Caroline’s way. Oscar Piastri has shown consistent front-running pace in his TRS Arden-prepared racer. The Aussie has visited the podium more than any other driver with the exception of Caroline, but is yet to stand on the top step. He’ll be looking to change that, as will Carlin’s Patrik Pasma who already has a brace of podiums.
Ayrton Simmons (TRS Arden) and Linus Lundqvist (Double R) have both been crowned winners this season and can lead the pack once again.
Simmons made his British F4 debut at Thruxton last year having had to wait for his 15th birthday. This time he arrives as one of the most experienced drivers on the Ford EcoBoost-powered grid, despite only turning 16-years-old last weekend.
Lundqvist was quickest in testing around the 2.3-mile Hampshire circuit and is on the comeback trail after a frustrating start to his campaign. His team-mate Karl Massaad and Carlin’s Logan Sargeant impressed at the same test and are eager to venture on the podium.
Oliver York’s (Fortec Motorsports) season continues to gain momentum. A maiden Ford F4 Challenge Cup win helping to propel him to the summit of the class standings. Richardson Racing’s Harry Webb is knocking on the door of his first podium, while newcomers Jamie Sharp and Sharp Motorsport brought home points for the first time at Donington Park.
TRS Arden’s Alex Quinn had a weekend to forget several weeks ago and the Cornish racer will want to return to the front. Meanwhile team-mate Yves Baltas, Double R’s Daniel Cao and Carlin’s Lucas Alecco Roy achieved their first point scores last time out and will try to carry that momentum to Thruxton. Elsewhere, Jacky Liu and GW Motorsport hope to get off the mark for 2017.
British F4’s high-speed thriller at Thruxton kicks off with qualifying on Saturday 6 May at 1055, followed by round seven of the championship at 1505. Two further 20-minute Ford EcoBoost-powered races will take place at 1252 and 1625 on Sunday, with both scheduled for transmission during the ever-popular live BTCC show on ITV4.