F4 British Championship – Page 2

ROKiT British F4 extends partnership with TOCA until 2026

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA has today (July 26) announced that it will remain on the TOCA package – supporting the British Touring Car Championship – until the end of 2026.

Providing the first step on the road to Formula 1, the single-seater series has established itself as one of the UK’s premier one-make categories and is set to continuing reaping the benefits of racing on the BTCC support bill for a further three years.

Eve Lake-Grange, ROKiT British F4 Championship Manager, said: “Being on the TOCA package is very much part of the DNA of British F4. Our drivers really appreciate showcasing their skills both to a massive free-to-air terrestrial TV audience at home and in front of the enormous crowds that BTCC and the support package generate.

“The benefit of the reach and profile of the TOCA package, combined with a festival atmosphere at each and every round is very special. It made sense to be able to announce the continuity of the package for the next three years and give certainty for our teams, championship partners and prospective drivers alike.”

Alan Gow, BTCC Chief Executive, added: “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the F4 British Championship that will see it remain on the TOCA package until at least the end of the 2026 season.

“Having been on the bill since its inception back in 2015, the F4 British Championship has already helped shape some of the talent on the current Formula 1 grid, as well as entertain the millions of fans that have tuned in to watch the action.

“The F4 British Championship will continue to benefit from the huge trackside audience that the TOCA package attracts as well as the many hundreds of thousands more that enjoy ITV’s live free-to-air coverage. I am sure this will be another hugely successful period ahead and we look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come.”

BARC delivers Silverstone scorcher on Grand Prix layout

The sun shone on the British Automobile Racing Club this past weekend (June 24/25) as a number of championships continued their 2023 campaigns around the world-famous Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

Returning to the Home of British Motor Racing for the second time this year, the BARC took centre stage under the bright blue skies for a 13-race schedule across two days that was just as scorching on track as it was off it.

Less than a week on from staging its milestone 250th race at Oulton Park, the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA was back in action and the latest instalment of their season saw more history made as the series competed around Silverstone’s 3.66-mile layout for the first time.

Ahead of its annual summer break, the single-seater series – which is the first step on the road to Formula 1 – served up a pulsating trio of races where slip streaming and wheel-to-wheel battles had those watching trackside and online on the edge of their seats.

Rodin Carlin’s Josh Irfan became the tenth different winner in a pulsating opener as his lightning start from row two saw him charge into a lead that he would ultimately never lose – with the rookie driver controlling proceedings out front to triumph ahead of Will Macintyre and James Piszcyk.

Race two then saw Irfan’s team-mate Noah Lisle strengthen his championship challenge with an impressive third victory of the season before James Piszcyk rounded things off by leading a Hitech Pulse-Eight top four lockout in race three.

The British Endurance Championship headed back to Silverstone with another strong entry list however nobody was able to stop the PB Racing Audi R8 GT3 duo of Peter Erceg and Marcus Clutton – who reigned supreme in commanding style.

Arriving at the Northamptonshire venue as the team to beat, Erceg and Clutton quickly established themselves out front as they blasted to pole position in qualifying by little under a second.

As the lights went out on Saturday afternoon’s two-hour bout, the striking black and orange R8 GT3 wasted no time in establishing an advantage out front. The multiple race winners soon broke clear of the chasing pack and began to stretch their legs, ultimately taking victory by two laps.

Best of the rest was the Scott Sport Lamborghini Super Trefeo Evo of Mikkel Mac and Keith Frieser in second and the Team HARD duo of Brad Thurston and Daryl de Leon in their Porsche 991 Cup in third.

Datum Motorsport’s Axel van Nederveen headed Ginetta dominance in the ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship as he charged victory in Sunday’s two-hour race.

Having missed out on pole position in qualifying to the Assetto Motorsport duo of Jade Edwards and Mike West, van Nederveen had looked on course to follow the pole sitters to the finish – who were largely dominating proceedings – before a gearbox issue sadly scuppered their chances during the pit stop phase.

Going on to inherit top spot in the latter stages, van Nederveen was wheel-perfect for the remainder of the contest to take victory ahead of SVG Motorsport’s Neil Wallace and Ian Astley and his Datum team-mate Marco Anastasi.

Elsewhere, three of Caterham Motorsport’s five championships continued their 2023 campaigns by producing a quite sensational show of close-quarter racing.

Just 0.011 split the top two in the opening Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship bout as Edward Cozzi edged Ben Timmons TO the chequered flag. Timmons would have his moment on the top step of the podium however as he charged to victory in race two.

Freddie Chiddicks took a clean sweep of victories in the Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship whilst Domenique Mannsperger, Harry Cook and Lars Alexander Hoffman shared the spoils in the Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Silverstone, CLICK HERE.

Both race days around the Grand Prix layout can also be re-watched on the BARC’s official YouTube channel HERE.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – June 24/25

The British Automobile Racing Club takes centre stage at the Home of British Motor Racing, Silverstone, this weekend (June 24/25) for a blockbuster two days of track action around the world-famous Grand Prix circuit.

On what promises to be a weekend to remember in Northamptonshire, the British Endurance Championship and its monstrous array of GT cars is poised to headline proceedings as it serves up a two-hour spectacular.

Elsewhere, the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA – which is fresh off the back of a milestone outing at Oulton Park – will continue its 2023 campaign with a trio of single seater contests.

Also in action across Saturday and Sunday is the ROWE Britcar Trophy Championship, Vertex Caterham Roadsport Championship, Mission Motorsport Caterham Seven 270R Championship and Motul Caterham Seven 310R Championship.

Below is all the information you’ll need to know to keep up-to-date with all the action that is being broadcast live:

Silverstone

Saturday 24th June // 13:00 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 25th June // 09:20 – WATCH HERE

TOCA support package enjoys party in the park at Oulton

Oulton Park provided the backdrop to a memorable two days of TOCA support championship action this past weekend (June 17/18) as the 2023 campaign reached the halfway marker.

Sharing the bill with the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship in Cheshire, four one-make categories wrote the latest chapter in their seasons as they served up a feast of entertainment for the bumper crowd that was in attendance.

One of the headline acts came in the shape of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA, which reached its milestone 250th race on Sunday afternoon.

Kenato Le and Sonny Smith claimed a win apiece in races one and two however it was Fortec Motorsport’s James Higgins that etched his name into the history books as he cruised to victory from pole position in the series’ prestigious encounter LIVE on ITV4.

Spoils were shared in the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW as Dan Zelos maintained his advantage at the top of the championship standings; ensuring he remains on course for what could be a second Drivers’ title this year.

The EXCELR8 Motorsport driver underlined his credentials as being the driver to beat as he charged to a commanding pole-to-flag victory in the opening encounter before NAPA Racing UK’s Jamie Osborne repeated the feat in race two ahead of Nelson King and Will Orton.

Adam Smalley strengthened his stranglehold at the summit of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB leaderboard with an impressive win in race two. James Kellett reigned supreme in the opener before the Porsche GB Junior driver came to the fore in style with a storming drive to stand on the top of the rostrum.

It was to be a weekend to forget for Smalley’s main title protagonist Robert de Haan though as a number of time penalties scuppered his chances of closing the gap to the Team Parker Racing ace.

Making their second – and final – guest appearance on the BTCC support bill was the Hagerty Radical Cup UK. As they did at Snetterton, the single-make series served up three pulsating contests; two of which were won by Daryl De Leon.

Despite narrowly missing out on pole position to James Lay in qualifying, De Leon was wheel-perfect to narrowly edge out Lay in race one before he then repeating the feat in races two and three as well. The weekend’s final bout was won by Abdelmajeed Khateeb.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Oulton Park, CLICK HERE.

Both the MINI CHALLENGE and Porsche Carrera Cup GB will continue their campaigns at the end of July whilst its now a quick turnaround for the F4 British Championship, which takes centre stage next weekend (June 24/25) on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit.

BARC TV: What’s On This Weekend – June 17/18

The Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship reaches the halfway point in the 2023 campaign this weekend (June 17/18) as it speeds into Cheshire for Rounds 13, 14 & 15 around Oulton Park.

Bringing the curtain down on what has been a frenetic first half of the season for the UK’s premier motorsport series, the BTCC is poised to take centre stage on the Island layout for what promises to be an action-packed Sunday.

Joining them on the support bill will be races from the Porsche Carrera Cup GB, Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW, ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and Hagerty Radical Cup UK.

Below is all the information you’ll need to know to keep up-to-date with all the action that is being broadcast live:

Oulton Park

Saturday 17th June // BTCC Qualifying – 15:30 – WATCH HERE

Sunday 18th June // ITV – 12:00 to 14:00 // ITV4 – 14:00 to 18:15 // ITV Website – WATCH HERE

All-action TOCA support championships star at Brands Hatch

Brands Hatch provided the backdrop to a thrilling two days of TOCA support championship action this past weekend (May 6/7) as four categories served up an abundance of edge-of-the-seat entertainment on the Indy circuit.

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship at the Kent venue, a bumper trackside crowd – as well as many more watching on ITV4 – were treated to a feast of thrills and spills in contrasting weather conditions.

One of the undoubted highlights of the weekend proved to be debut of the Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM; however it wasn’t to be without its fair share of drama as both Saturday and Sunday’s grand finals were hampered by multi-car accidents.

In the remaining races that did take place, Jack Parker – who was filling in for the injured John Mickel – blasted his way to a brace of wins whilst there were also victories for Will Gibson, Miles Rudman and Robert Barrable.

Three new faces stood on the top step of the podium in the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA over the course of the weekend however that didn’t stop Louis Sharp from extending his advantage in the points standings.

The weekend’s opening contest – which took place in damp conditions – saw Kenato Le capitalise on a frantic front-running battle to score victory before Dion Gowda came to the fore to win a much drier race two on Sunday, inheriting the win from Deagen Fairclough who was penalised for gaining an unfair advantage.

Fortec Motorsport’s James Higgins then produced a commanding lights-to-flag victory in the weekend’s third and final contest to vault himself into second in the standings and more importantly, title contention.

Spoils were shared in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB as Robert de Haan and James Kellett claimed a win apiece on Sunday.

In what is proving to be a sensational rookie campaign, Richardson Racing’s de Haan reigned supreme in a pulsating opener and then had looked to have repeated the feat in race two before he was hit with a post-race penalty, which gave Kellett a maiden win in the one-make series.

Rounding out the weekend’s support race action were three high-octane races from the Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW, won by Dan Zelos and Will Orton.

EXCELR8 Motorsport’s Zelos didn’t put a wheel wrong in Saturday’s opener to master the wet conditions and take victory. However, he could do nothing to stop Orton the following day as the Hybrid Tune driver produced a virtuoso display out front to take a brace of race wins.

To view the full classification of results from all TOCA support sessions at Brands Hatch, CLICK HERE.

Both the Hagerty Radical Cup UK and Porsche Sprint Challenge GB will feature alongside the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA and Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW when the BTCC support bill competes next at Snetterton 300 on May 20/21.

TOCA support package makes a splash at Donington Park curtain-raiser

Donington Park provided the backdrop to a memorable 2023 season-opener for championships competing on the TOCA support bill this past weekend (April 22/23).

Taking centre stage alongside the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for another season, four all-action categories delighted fans with two blockbuster days of wheel-to-wheel entertainment under the flightpath of East Midlands airport.

Dan Zelos’ pursuit of a second Vertu Motors MINI CHALLENGE JCW title got off to the perfect start as he blasted his way to pole position and two wins.

Embarking on another season in the one-make tin top category, the former champion laid down his marker to the rest of the field with a commanding brace of victories, one in the dry on Saturday and the other in the wet on Sunday morning.

It wasn’t to be a hat-trick for Zelos though as he found himself caught up in a scary accident with Sam Smith that brought out the red flags. The high-speed incident – which took place on the run down to Redgate – saw Zelos walk away unhurt whilst Smith was extricated from the car and transferred to hospital for precautionary checks.

With the race not restarting, Will Orton was declared the winner ahead of Joe Tanner and last year’s MINI CHALLENGE Trophy champion Nelson King.

Louis Sharp put his stamp on the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by the FIA with a near-perfect weekend in the single-seater category. The New Zealander – who was one of the series’ leading lights in 2022 – claimed two impressive victories to grab the early points lead.

After narrowly missing out on pole position, the Rodin Carlin driver took a commanding win in the season-opener before then showcasing his overtaking prowess in a thrilling full reverse grid contest.

Starting 20th, Sharp carved his way through the order to clinch a famous victory before then capping off his weekend with a drive to sixth place as Noah Lisle triumphed in race three.

Spoils were shared in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB as pre-season favourites Robert De Haan and Adam Smalley claimed a win apiece.

Touted as one’s to watch prior to the new campaign beginning, both drivers produced assertive performances to each stand on the top step of the podium. Joining them on the rostrum across the two races was Gus Burton and Matty Graham.

Concluding the weekend’s action were three races from Porsche Sprint Challenge GB, which had secured a full-time spot on the TOCA for this season after recently making sporadic appearances in previous years.

Second-year racer Toby Trice claimed the early bragging rights as he edged out Joe Warhurst and Steve Roberts in a frenetic opener. Roberts would then prove to be the driver to beat in the remaining two contests as he cruised to victory to establish an early championship lead.

To view the full classification of results from all sessions at Donington Park, CLICK HERE.

Brands Hatch provides the next step on the calendar for three of the four championships – who’ll also be joined the Legends Cars Elite Cup with JLM – on May 6/7.

Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 Team adds to ROKiT British F4 prize list

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA has confirmed that the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team has added to its prize lift, with the 2023 champion set to be given a simulator experience at the team’s state-of-the-art campus in Brackley.

Following the close of the season later this year, the winner will spend a half-day at the home of the eight-time World Constructors’ Champions undertaking a full session in the Mercedes-AMG F1 simulator – similar to that undertaken by Lewis Hamilton and George Russell.

After a pre-session briefing, the winner will undertake a full driving programme, receiving feedback and coaching throughout, before completing the day with a post-session debrief.

Designed to provide a clear path to Formula 1, the British F4 now holds official links with three teams competing at the pinnacle of the sport.

In addition to the Mercedes AMG F1 simulator session, the eventual champion will also receive an experience with McLaren Racing at the British Grand Prix and a year-long coaching programme and expert guidance from the BWT Alpine Formula 1 Team.

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO, said: “On behalf of Motorsport UK and the British F4 Championship I’d like to thank Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 for this generous contribution. We are very much about development of our drivers and this prize is a great step in their career.

“We know that our F4 championship helps to give drivers the skills they need to succeed as evidenced by having three drivers in F1 already and more heading through the ranks of Formula 2 and Formula 3.

“The grid is looking to be very strong this year so it will be interesting to watch the battle for the title. The winner then having the simulator experience and the opportunity to engage with the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team is fantastic.”

The 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA season commences at Donington Park on April 22/23.

ROKiT to continue as F4 British Championship title sponsors

The F4 British Championship certified by FIA has confirmed that ROKiT will continue as its title sponsor for a second successive season.

Joining forces with the single-seater series at the start of 2022, the global conglomerate and start-up incubator played a pivotal role in what proved to be groundbreaking campaign.

In addition to its title rights, ROKiT is also funding funding the ROKiT Racing Star programme that will provide talent, sourced through an esports programme, the opportunity to race in the championship.

Jonathan Kendrick, Chairman and Co-Founder of the ROKiT Group of Companies, said “We’ve been delighted with our first year of being Title Partner of the British F4 Championship and are very pleased to continue our sponsorship of it. Many thanks to all at Motorsport UK who have re-invigorated the Championship and we look forward to an ever bigger and better season ahead.”

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK Chief Executive, said: “Taking on the organisational and promotional responsibility of the championship was a big challenge for Motorsport UK in 2022 and ROKiT helped us create the new era of British F4. We’re delighted that ROKiT shares our passion for helping develop the racing stars of the future and fulfil their full potential.”

The 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA commences at Donington Park on April 22/23.

ROKiT British F4 champion to receive coaching from BWT Alpine F1 Team

The 2023 champion of the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA will receive a year-long coaching programme and expert guidance from BWT Alpine Formula 1 ® Team.

Based at the team’s state-of-the-art Alpine Racing Human Performance Centre at Enstone, the programme will last twelve months and will provide the next champion in Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series with the resource and experience of a leading Formula 1 team to support them in their next steps.

Alpine will conduct an initial assessment at the start of the year to produce a structured and tailored development plan, with the focus centred around improving core physical condition and identifying areas of improvement.

The 2023 champion will have regular access to the facilities and expert personnel at the Alpine Racing Human Performance Centre.

Julian Rouse, Academy Director at BWT Alpine F1 Team, said, “We are pleased to collaborate with ROKiT British F4 for 2023 and offer the champion a variety of opportunities we have as a Formula 1 team.

“The facilities and knowledge we have here at BWT Alpine F1 Team is invaluable to an upcoming driver and their next step in their career, and we are eager to be onboard with this journey to promote young talent in grass-root series like British F4.”

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the 2023 champion to receive regular human performance coaching and instruction from a leading Formula 1 team as they take their next steps on the single-seater pathway,” commented Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK Chief Executive Officer.

“The facilities at the Alpine Human Performance Centre are well-equipped to support drivers in their development. We’re thankful to Alpine for supporting ROKiT British F4 and this is another excellent opportunity for our next champion.”

The announcement only strengthens the existing tiers between the single seater series and Formula 1, as Motorsport UK continues to forge meaningful pathways for drivers to progress through the sport.

Three graduates from the championship – Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri and Logan Sargeant – will line up on the Formula 1 grid this year; underlining the springboard British F4 can provide.

McLaren Racing reaffirm commitment to ROKiT British F4

McLaren Racing have confirmed that they will continue to support the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA in 2023, with the eventual champion having the unique opportunity to embed themselves within a Formula 1 team at the 2024 British Grand Prix.

Newly crowned 2022 champion Alex Dunne will be the first recipient of the experience, designed to give drivers an immersive and thorough understanding of Formula 1, at the 2023 British Grand Prix. The prize also includes access to the Woking-based team and industry-leading engineering staff.

With the champion also being given a fully-funded Formula Regional test courtesy of tyre suppliers Pirelli as well as FIA Super Licence points, the championship continues to cement its position as a must-do for drivers with serious aspirations of progressing up the ranks.

Visibility to Formula 1 teams has never been higher in the series with the 2022 campaign seeing three F1 junior drivers feature; Ugo Ugochukwu (McLaren Racing), Daniel Guinchard (Mercedes-AMG) and Oliver Gray (Williams Racing).

Hugh Chambers, Motorsport UK CEO, said: “McLaren Racing’s support of the ROKiT British F4 is greatly valued and offers a unique opportunity for a driver to embed themselves in a team at the top end of the sport.

“Motorsport UK is committed to creating meaningful pathways through the sport for drivers competing in the series. This unique opportunity to gain an insight into what it takes to compete in Formula 1 will be invaluable to the 2023 Champion as they consider their next steps.

“Silverstone is always one of the highlights of the Formula 1 calendar, so it should make for a very enjoyable, as well as instructive, experience. We’ll be watching on with great interest next year as 2022 champion Alex Dunne is the first to receive the prize. Our thanks go to Zak Brown and to McLaren Racing for their continued support of the championship.”

Zak Brown, McLaren Racing CEO, added: “McLaren Racing is delighted to continue supporting the British F4 Championship by inviting the 2023 champion to join our Formula 1 race team at the British Grand Prix in 2024.

“The series is an excellent platform for young drivers to continue their development as proven by our current Formula 1 line-up of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who both excelled in the single-seater championship.

“We look forward to welcoming 2022 champion Alex Dunne to Silverstone with the team next year.”

Silverstone Grand Prix circuit features on final 2023 ROKiT British F4 calendar

The ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA will make a first ever visit to the full Silverstone Grand Prix circuit next year after revealing its final 2023 calendar.

Continuing to support the British Touring Car Championship at nine of the ten scheduled events next season, the championship will break new ground as the first ever FIA-certified Formula 4 series to hold a race meeting around the full, 3.6-mile Grand Prix layout, held in support of the British Endurance Championship on 23-25 June 2023.

The championship’s usual format – two practice sessions, qualifying and three 20-minute races – will be adhered to, ensuring competitors retain the same 30-race schedule, with plenty of track time to aid their driver development.

Hugh Chambers, Chief Executive Officer of Motorsport UK, said: “It’s another excellent step forward for ROKiT British F4 to visit the full Grand Prix circuit at Silverstone as part of the 2023 calendar.

“With additional trips to Donington and Brands Hatch’s Grand Prix circuits, as well as the other premier circuits in the UK, the calendar will serve as an excellent learning platform for young drivers.

“We have always placed a great deal of importance on listening and engaging with the paddock, and we know all the teams will be excited by the make-up of the series for next year.”