Daniel Guinchard narrowed the gap to the championship summit after scoring a second podium in as many ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA meetings at Brands Hatch last weekend [6-7 May].
The Chris Dittmann Racing ace arrived the 1.2-mile Kent circuit a fortnight on from a promising start to the 2023 campaign at Donington Park, in which the 16-year-old from London was a consistent front-runner and opened his silverware account for the new season.
That pace was evident once again during qualifying, with Guinchard mastering changeable weather conditions to secure a front row starting slot in second.
A lightning start during the first of three races briefly saw Guinchard lead the 20-strong field, but a dipped wheel over the kerb at McLaren unsettled the car, and the lost momentum dropped Guinchard back to fifth, which he would hold to the chequered flag.
Sunday morning’s reverse grid contest offered a perfect opportunity for Guinchard to showcase his overtaking prowess, and the two-time British Kart Champion pulled off a series of moves reminiscent of his karting days to claw his way forward to seventh, having started down in 14th.
He then backed up that promise with his second podium in as many races in the ITV4-televised finale that afternoon, taking third in a twice-interrupted race behind James Higgins and Will Macintyre.
Guinchard was arguably the quickest of the trio battling it out up front, the rising star setting the fastest lap overall, but on a short, sharp circuit like Brands Hatch’s Indy configuration, overtaking opportunities come at a premium, and none presented themselves.
With several of his title rivals having an ‘off’ weekend, Guinchard’s consistent, points-scoring form has moved him back into the picture at the top of the standings, the gap now just 30 points heading to Snetterton on 20-21 May.
Daniel Guinchard said:
“I was really pleased to end the weekend with a podium. It’s nice to have a good Sunday and in all three races, we scored really good points, and we were able to showcase our pace, including the fastest lap in race three.
“The number of positions we were able to gain in race two also shows the performance we have, when it all comes together, and it was great to see we were quick in both the wet and dry conditions over the weekend.
“I’m looking forward to building on that at Snetterton. It’s also great to get a podium for the team, who worked so hard all weekend and are continuing to provide me with such a supportive, encouraging atmosphere.
“We’ve closed the gap to the championship leaders, so however you dress it up, that’s not a bad weekend’s work!”
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