Hitech gaining momentum heading to Brands Hatch
Round 6 - Brands Hatch - Preview
The GB3 Championship enters its final third of the season as Hitech TGR head to the full Grand Prix layout at Brands Hatch for Round 6 of 8 this coming weekend (23/24 August). A drivers’ favourite, both Deagen Fairclough and Keanu Al Azhari are looking forward to getting out on track and building on their pace and performance from last time out at Silverstone.
There were plenty of positives for the team from the previous round, as Keanu claimed Hitech’s first GB3 victory of the season — and his maiden win in the category — during Race 2 at Silverstone. The 17-year-old Emirati showed impressive racecraft all weekend, also scoring a podium in Race 1 and racking up 59 points in total. His performances earned him the Omologato One to Watch Award, handed out at each event to the top-scoring driver across the first two races of the meeting.
Keanu Al Azhari:
“This is such an exciting time in the season. To get my first win in GB3 last time out was a really special moment and I’m hoping to carry that momentum into Brands Hatch. We haven’t had much time on the full GP layout, so it’s going to be a big challenge — but that’s what makes it so rewarding when you get it right.”
The Emirati, who sits fourth in the Standings, continued:
“There’s no room for error. When you hook up a lap, it’s one of the most incredible circuits to drive. You need to stay fully focused and commit to every single corner. There are some high-speed sections that are awesome and I’m really excited to get out on track.”
It’s also a welcome return to Brands Hatch for Deagen Fairclough, who hails from nearby Crawley in West Sussex. The reigning British F4 champion is seventh in the GB3 standings after a bittersweet weekend at Silverstone. Deagen produced some standout overtakes and led Race 2 early on, but his hopes of a maiden GB3 win were dashed following contact while fighting for the lead.
He’s already looking forward to the unique demands of the Grand Prix layout, having won there in British F4 last year.
Deagen Fairclough:
“It’s one of my favourite circuits. It’s close to home, and I just love how abrasive and old-school the back section is. There’s no room for mistakes. It really tests your limit.”
Deagen added:
“That whole run through Hawthorn, Westfield and Dingle Dell — it’s all on the edge. There’s never really a straight section. You’re always on a bit of lock, and if you dip a wheel onto the grass it can throw you off for the whole lap. It’s about confidence and when you get it right, it’s an incredible feeling.”
Race 1 from Brands Hatch takes place on Saturday at 14:45, with two more races on Sunday at 11:30 and 16:10 local time.
