Daniel Guinchard opened his 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA campaign with a podium on a rollercoaster weekend [22-23 April] at Donington Park.
Arriving at the 1.96-mile East Midlands venue to begin his second season in Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series, the Chris Dittmann Racing ace converted his testing pace into a fourth-place starting slot, a mere tenth of a second off pole.
From there, Guinchard improved to the final spot on the podium during a twice-started opening race, using all his experience to begin the new campaign with his seventh career podium in the category.
Wet, slippery conditions greeted the field on Sunday morning for the reverse-grid contest. Guinchard again made forward progress in a chaotic race, gaining two spots – and overtaking points – for P16.
He was on course for another starring role in the ITV4-televised final race, moving up to third at the first corner at Redgate. Whilst hounding the car ahead for second spot, Guinchard was turned at McLean’s by the car behind, and spun into the gravel, and out of the race.
Nevertheless, the results have marked Guinchard out as a likely title contender in one of the most competitive ROKiT British F4 grids to-date.
Brands Hatch’s 1.2-mile Indy circuit hosts the next three rounds of the 2023 season on 6-7 May.
Daniel Guinchard said:
“It really proved to be a weekend of two halves. Saturday was very positive, qualifying up front and then racing to a first podium of the season.
“Unfortunately, we just didn’t have luck on our side on Sunday. We had incidents in both races, neither of which I could do much about, and in both cases the other drivers involved were penalised.
“But our pace looked really strong throughout, in both conditions, so that’s the main thing for us to take away and focus on. It’s not the result I would have wanted, but it’s a long season, with 27 more races to go, and we have plenty of opportunities ahead to make up for it.”
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