A second victory for Jamie Caroline sees the Pirtek driver leave the opening weekend of the F4 British Championship with a healthy points gap to those behind. He controlled the third encounter taking his second win at Brands Hatch this season.
Caroline made a typically quick start as the TRS Arden‘s battled behind, allowing the Carlin driver to break away in the opening laps.
Further back, it was another disaster for Linus Lundqvist who struggled to defend in the first lap from Yves Baltas, who would later pick up a puncture. The Swede is clearly lacking race craft and failed to prevent himself from losing three more positions.
It soon became obvious that Caroline had the race sealed before the halfway point. Oscar Piastri was holding onto second, but was unable to keep up with the leader, as his attention was focused on his teammate behind. Alex Quinn provided another solid performance in third not letting up on his attack all race.
Further back, a battle between the new teams in the championship saw Jamie Sharp attack Jacky Liu, only for the Brit to attempt an audacious move into the first corner, running wide onto the marbles and losing momentum. A few laps later he caught back up running around the outside at Druids.
While some of the rookies were out to prove themselves, some of the others were struggling. Both Lucas Alecco Roy and Daniel Cao spun at various points, while Lundqvist’s problems continued with a third straight retirement.
Caroline eventually cruised to victory with Piastri holding off Quinn for his inter-team revenge after race one. A quiet event for Patrik Pasma saw him claim fourth and keep him well within the championship range, though race two winner Ayrton Simmons will be more disappointed.
The fifth place for Simmons ensures he stays second in the championship, while World Karting Champion Logan Sargeant recorded sixth place after holding off a late challenge from Challenge Cup winner Billy Monger and Oliver York.
Caroline leaves the weekend with two wins and 60 points. With Simmons and Piastri both on 41, the Pirtek sponsored driver will feel confident knowing he already has a 19 point lead. Elsewhere, Pasma and Quinn are just one point further back each, with 40 and 39 respectively.
The same seven drivers have finished in the top seven for all three races this weekend.