Hitech head to the majestic Ardennes for GB3 Round 3
Round 3 - Spa - Preview
One of the world’s greatest race tracks lies ahead for Hitech TGR as we make our second overseas GB3 visit of the year — a trip to the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the heart of Belgium. As ever, all eyes will be on the skies, with the High Fens region — where the track is located — notorious for its micro-climate.
After achieving a clean sweep of three wins from three in GB3 last year, we’re once again aiming for the top step of the podium to kick-start our championship campaign. Currently, Deagen Fairclough is our top scorer after impressing last time out at Zandvoort with two podiums. The West Sussex racer sits fourth in the standings, two places ahead of his Hitech team-mate Nikita Johnson.
Nikita Johnson:
“Spa is a legendary track and it’s definitely a challenge with the unpredictable weather.”
Nikita continues:
“Keeping it on track is key, especially with the long straights and the weather changing. If you’re within a second of the car in front, you can fight for positions because of the DRS and the long straights. It’s going to be an interesting race, especially with the rain and changing conditions. I love driving in the rain, though — it’s something I’ve always been good at, and it really levels the playing field.”
Originally based on public roads that connected the villages of Francorchamps, Malmedy and Stavelot, the modern circuit is a shorter configuration but still retains the hallmarks of a flat-out blast through the Ardennes forest. Having hosted sports cars, F1, and touring cars, the track is a familiar venue on the junior single-seater ladder — serving as an important learning ground for drivers to master high-speed corners and overtaking opportunities while managing fickle weather. It’s a place where Keanu Al Azhari has driven before in different categories.
Keanu Al Azhari
“I’ve driven Spa in F4 and LMP3, but not yet in this GB3 car — and I think it’s going to be an awesome weekend.”
Keanu, who scored a podium last time out in Zandvoort, continues:
“Slipstream plus DRS is going to make Sector 1 really fun — La Source, up through Eau Rouge and along the Kemmel Straight will be critical. We might see three-wide racing into Les Combes, which will be intense. I can’t wait.”
Piloting the number seven car, Deagen is relishing the chance to race in the wet this weekend — if it does rain. “It’s one of the best parts of motorsport for me,” he says. “It’s where you can really show your true talent. You have to adjust your lines constantly to get the best lap time and I love that challenge.”
Deagen Fairclough:
“Back in karting, we couldn’t afford wet tyres, so my dad would send me out on slicks in the rain. It was tough at the time, but looking back, I gained so much experience from it.”
The first GB3 race of the weekend starts at 10:45 local time on Saturday, with race two scheduled for 17:25. The top-12 reverse grid finale brings the action to a close at 10:30 local time on Sunday morning.