Formula 4

Jonathan Aberdein Wins UAE F4 Title after Almost Perfect Season

1 Mins read

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.

Credit: Nick Smith / TheImageTeam.com
1347 posts

About author
Single-Seater Specialist who worked for TCF from 2015-19. Come finding me wandering the paddock.
Articles
Related posts
FilmsFormula 4Super GT

"Overtake!" anime set for 1 October premiere

1 Mins read
Overtake!, an anime following a fictionalisation of the F4 Japanese Championship and Super GT, will premiere on 1 October. The first episode was screened in late August at the Super GT round at Suzuka.
Formula 1Formula 2Formula 3Formula 4

Christian Horner Hints at ‘Thinning’ of Red Bull Junior Team at end of 2023 Season

1 Mins read
The Red Bull Junior Team, which brought through the likes of Max Verstappen and Sebastian Vettel, is likely to be reduced in number at the end of the 2023 season.
FilmsFormula 4

New "Overtake!" visual released, additional voice cast announced

2 Mins read
“Overtake!”, a fictionalised take on Japanese F4, will star the likes of My Hero Academia’s Tasuku Hatanaka and decorated musician/voice actress Reina Ueda.