Having only needed to stay out of trouble during the weekend, South African driver Jonathan Aberdein did more than enough to collect the overall United Arab Emerites Formula 4 championship. His title ensures the 19-year-old goes into the year with twelve Super Licence points already under his belt.
It was an almost unrivaled campaign for Aberdein, who won sixteen of the twenty-one races. He was the only driver to collect the winners trophy more than once and was unbeaten for the 2016 portion of the season.
Going into the weekend, Aberdein had 314 points, 89 more than his closest rival and team-mate Logan Sargeant. While he only needed 11 points over the weekend to confirm his title, Aberdein wasn’t holding back, recording pole, fastest lap and the eventual win.
While Sargeant held on to finish a respectable second, it wasn’t enough to prevent his Motopark team-mate from stealing the glory around the Yas Marina South Circuit.
Sargeant had finished on the podium throughout every round, yet his win in race two proved to be his first of the season. The result should give him a confidence boost going into the F4 British Championship where he hopes to be placed one better. As for Aberdein, he’ll return to Germany for a shot at the ADAC Formula 4 Championship.
“That was a great way to end off a strong campaign in the UAE,” Aberdein admitted. “I’ve really enjoyed my time racing here, but now its time to focus fully on winning the German F4 Championship.”
British driver Sean Babington, who also collected one win, finished the year third overall. The only other race winners this year were Sebastian Fernandez, Fabio Scherer and Leonard Hoogenboom, who won the final race of the weekend.
“I would like to extend a huge word of thanks to my team Motopark,” the champion concluded. “You guys have done an exceptional job in the last 12 months – our success comes from hard work and dedication from a truly remarkable team from Oschersleben. Your ability to coach and develop young talent is unquestionable”
Elsewhere, Qatari driver Ahmad Al Muhannadi finished the season as the highest ranking Gulf-born driver.