Daniel Guinchard heads for Oulton Park, Cheshire this weekend [17-18 June] looking to turn the tide in the ROKiT British F4 Championship certified by FIA.
After a promising start to the 2023 season in Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series, including two podium finishes from the opening two rounds, Lady Luck has somewhat deserted the 17-year-old from London of late.
Thruxton last time out proved to be another character-building experience for the Chris Dittmann Racing ace, with an early retirement after contact in the opening race, then traffic in the reverse grid contest, limiting the Brit’s points haul.
Sunday’s ITV4-televised finale brought about an improvement with eighth spot but heading to the 2.2-mile Island layout at Oulton Park this weekend, a return to the rostrum is firmly at the forefront of Guinchard’s ambitions.
The circuit itself is a favourite among drivers, with precision and bravery the recipe for success on this high-speed, narrow layout. Gradient changes and heavy braking zones at Island hairpin and Knickerbrook chicane also add to the spectacle, but overtaking opportunities are often at a premium.
It’s one that holds fond memories for Guinchard, however, as the scene of his maiden win in single seaters last year.
Having completed two practice sessions to dial himself in, Guinchard’s focus now shifts to qualifying tomorrow morning, scheduled to start at 10:40 (BST).
The first of three races follows that afternoon at 14:30. Sunday features two televised contests, the first on ITV1 at 12:55. The other takes place at 16:35, in the usual slot on ITV4.
Daniel Guinchard (#49) said:
“We’ve had a lot of issues recently, but the team have done a good job since Thruxton to identify what needs working on and fixing it.
“Oulton Park is definitely a circuit I enjoy, and I’ve always gone well at in the past. It was where I got my first F4 win last year, so I know we can be quick this weekend if we get in the right ballpark.
“It’s been a tricky run of results recently, but the important thing at the moment is just to stay focused, keep working and make sure everything in my control is in the right place. After that, it’s just a case of waiting for it all to align.”
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