Hitech set for high-speed test in Hampshire
From the tight confines of Snetterton to the wide-open expanses of Thruxton, Round 4 of the Wera Tools British F4 Championship presents a fresh challenge for the Hitech TGR squad as the series heads to one of the UK’s fastest circuits.
Last time out at Snetterton, Fionn McLaughlin delivered a lights-to-flag victory in Race 3 to claim his maiden British F4 win – a result that puts the Irishman at the top of the overall Drivers’ Standings, nine points clear heading into Thruxton.
It’s also a Hitech 1-2-3 in the Rookie Cup, with Fionn leading team-mates Thomas Bearman and Xavier Avramides. The team also continues to top the Teams’ Championship, and Leo Robinson will be keen to add to his overall tally this weekend.
Like Silverstone, Thruxton is formed from the perimeter roads of a former airfield, and its flat layout and exposed location mean wind and weather can play a major role. At 2.36 miles, it’s a high-speed blast, with long, sweeping corners, just two major braking zones, and a reputation for tyre wear and close racing.
Thomas Bearman:
“Thruxton is just an incredible circuit to race on. It’s super high-speed and really demanding on the tyres - especially over a longer race. It’s one of the best on the calendar for wheel-to-wheel action.”
Thomas continued:
“I’ve watched some of the F4 clips from previous seasons and it just looks awesome. I actually did my ARDS test there last year in a road car, so I’ve driven the layout before – but it’s going to be a lot more exciting in an F4 car.”
The high-speed venue, located five miles west of Andover, will offer plenty of slipstreaming opportunities – something Xavier is looking forward to.
Xavier Avramides:
“It’s a super fast track and I’ve tested there once or twice before. It’s mostly flat-out with only two real braking zones, so you’ve got to be precise.”
Xavier continued:
“I think dirty air will definitely play a role and it could make racing tough, but the slipstream is really powerful - especially through the back section and into the chicane. If you position the car well, you can line up a move.”
Leo is another driver eager to make progress in Hampshire and enjoys the confidence Thruxton demands.
“It might look like it’s just two corners – but there’s way more to it than that,” he says. “It’s one of those tracks where, if you know what to do, you can jump in any car and be quick. I love the back section – it’s just flat-out for so long. It’s a great feeling.”
As championship leader, Fionn will be hoping his strong form from Snetterton carries over to Thruxton – although it will be the first time the Red Bull Junior Team driver has competed at the high-speed track. See how he and the rest of our team fare across this weekend’s three F4 races: Race 1 and Race 2 take place on Saturday at 12:55 and 16:15 respectively, with Race 3 live on ITV4 on Sunday at 13:40.