Hitech scores strong points across action-packed Dubai weekend
Round 3 - Dubai Autodrome - Report
Scott Kin Lindblom produced a phenomenal recovery drive from P36 to P10 in Race 2, while Theo Palmer scored points in two of the three races, helping Hitech secure solid results across an action-packed weekend at the Dubai Autodrome.
Hitech and QMMF by Hitech continued their UAE4 Championship campaign at the Dubai Autodrome for Round 3, taking on the 5.4km, 16-corner circuit known for its wide layout and overtaking opportunities. Across the weekend, the team focused on translating qualifying performance into consistent race results while managing a demanding schedule of back-to-back rounds.
Race 1
Race 1 proved to be a challenging opener with the field largely running behind the Safety Car following a chaotic start. Scott was unable to move from his grid slot due to a clutch failure, leaving him caught up in a start-line incident, while Nasser was also involved and unable to continue.
Theo Palmer led the charge for Hitech, showing strong pace to finish P7 and secure valuable points, while Bader Al Sulaiti completed the race in P18, navigating the difficult conditions and interruptions.
Race 2
Hitech bounced back strongly in Race 2 after the team completed an impressive overnight rebuild on Scott’s car. Palmer started from P6, with Bader Al Sulaiti in P30 and Scott in P36, tasked with mounting a recovery drive. Nasser did not take part in Sunday’s races due to car damage from yesterday’s incident.
The Safety Car was deployed immediately on Lap 1, with Palmer holding P6, Bader P27 and Scott P33 at the end of the opening lap. After the restart, Scott began his now-customary charge through the field, climbing steadily through the order.
Despite being delayed after contact at Turn 1, Palmer continued to push on, while Scott made consistent progress, moving through P18, P16 and towards the points fight. Following a red flag for an upturned car, the race clock was reset and the field resumed behind the Safety Car.
In the closing stages, Scott made up three places on the penultimate lap, completing a phenomenal charge from P36 to P10 to score the final points-paying position. Palmer finished P15, while Bader crossed the line in P23.
Race 3
The final race of the weekend saw Scott and Palmer swap positions off the start, with Palmer running P7 and Scott P8. Bader Al Sulaiti started from P29, while Nasser again did not take part.
The Safety Car was deployed halfway through the opening lap, with Palmer having already moved up to P6. Racing resumed on Lap 4, and Scott immediately began to make progress, passing Cotty and Palmer to move into P6 before continuing on to P5 by Lap 8.
Palmer kept the top ten in his sights to finish P9, while Bader made contact and was forced to retire due to damage. Scott held on to P5 at the chequered flag, rounding out a strong end to the weekend. He dropped to P7 in the final classification following the application of penalties.
Scott Kin Lindblom:
“This weekend we had a tough task, and together we executed it very well. I’m proud to be a part of this team and we are ready to bring our current momentum to the season finale at Qatar in two weeks' time.”
Theo Palmer:
“A solid weekend at Dubai Autodrome, qualifying P9 in both sessions which was a really positive step forward. Race 1 got off to a strong start with clean overtakes, bringing it home in P7. Race 2 was more challenging after first lap contact dropped us from P6 to P22, but we stayed focused and fought back to P14. Race 3 started from P8, gained two positions early on, and although we struggled a bit on older tyres, a great last lap overtake secured P8 at the flag.”
Theo continued:
“Overall, a very productive learning weekend with plenty of close racing and multiple safety car restarts. I’m feeling confident in the car and my racecraft heading into the final round. Huge thanks to the team for a great car and fantastic support throughout the weekend.”
Dominic Stott, Hitech’s F4 Programmes Team Manager:
“Overall, it was a positive weekend despite a few setbacks. Although we had less running than we would have liked, there were clear signs of improvement and growing consistency across all the drivers. Scott delivered another strong overtaking performance to recover as well as he did, while Theo enjoyed a solid weekend throughout. We now have a short break after an intensive few rounds before turning our focus to the finale in Qatar in two weeks’ time.”
The season finale takes place at Lusail in Qatar from 11-13 February, where Hitech will look to finish the campaign on a strong note.