BRDC Formula 4

Omar Ismail “Exhilerated” after Maiden Victory

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Having won his first BRDC Formula 4 race, Omar Ismail spoke to The Checkered Flag about his performance on Saturday and where he looks to go from here, for the weekend.

The 16 year old was unable to compete at the start of the season as he was not old enough, deciding to put off his début until the last round at Silverstone. However; a coming of age drive this weekend, has seen him manage to pick up victory after starting from pole.

Having beaten championship leader Will Palmer in qualifying, he held onto the lead into the first corner, despite his rival making a marginally better start. Palmer kept him honest for the majority of the race, not allowing Ismail to create more than a one second gap.

By the end, Palmer came under pressure from team mate, Harri Newey, allowing Ismail to break away slightly and set the second quickest lap time, finishing the race with an emphatic style.

“I’m Exhilarated” he told TCF. “It’s only been my second ever race, I never thought it would go this well.”

Ismail seemed surprised in himself for the result he had achieved, citing his previous lack of experience in cars as a reason.

“It’s been tough, I’ve never had single-seater racing experience before this season. The Silverstone race was tough, especially because I had never been there before. Hopefully we can improve but the win means its already been a good weekend for us.”

The reverse grid for race 2 will mean he starts from eighth on the grid, but despite his win and consistent practice results, where he was in the top three for every session, he doesn’t expect miracles, hoping instead to bring some points back for the Chris Dittmann Racing team.

“Race 2 will probably be wet, it will be good for me to get experience in the conditions.”

The likely hood of rain could mean the grid for race 3 has already been fixed, with the grid being determined by the fastest laps in the first two races. The current result would mean Ismail would line up second behind Newey.

“Hopefully I should be starting second for race three, so I think I should fight for a podium.”

Credit: Nick Smith / TheImageTeam.com
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Single-Seater Specialist who worked for TCF from 2015-19. Come finding me wandering the paddock.
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