British F4: Skelton Shines at Mixed Weather Media Day

Series returnee, Josh Skelton was the pace setter at Brands Hatch after a mixed weather Media Day for the F4 British Championship.

Skelton, who returns to the JHR Developments team is one of only two drivers to make his venture back into the series. The 17 year old picked up multiple top fives last year and will be gunning for the championship in now his second season.

After a slow start to the day, Skelton was soon in his element as the weather improved. The bright skies and reduced wind saw him set the benchmark of a 46.243, notable as it was faster than Ayrton Simmons pole lap from last season.

It proved to be a day for the experienced as Sebastian Alvarez, the only other returnee, would finish second fastest in the morning and second overall as the Mexican led his Double R Racing team, attempting to defend the teams and drivers championship.

Afternoon running was far more restricted, with Bart Horsten setting the time before rain lashed down for the final hour, restricting testing time. The Australian, racing for the TRS Arden team, set a 46.510 to top the afternoon and go fifth fastest overall despite just setting 12 laps after lunch, the second least of any driver.

Skelton would be second in the afternoon ahead of Maloney while Alvarez completed a meager 5 before returning to the garage.

British F4 Media Day Overall Results

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As the had sun come up over Brands, Zane Maloney set the early pace, becoming the first driver to drop below the 47 second barrier. The Barbadian, making his debut in the series, was quick to find his feet. Carlin’s introduction back into the championship also meant the return of the famous #31, which has gifted the wearer the title in every year Carlin have been active in the series. As a result there will be big pressure on the karting graduate to succeed.

The top TRS Arden driver was Alex Connor. At 14, the YRDA graduate will miss the opening round, but was determined to get in the running ahead of a reduced season. Luke Browning ran under the radar for much of the day, but put in a late shock to go second at the end of the afternoon running with an identical time to Connor in the morning.

Seventh overall for the day would go to Browning’s Ginetta Junior rival Louie Foster. The Juniors rookie champion who will be keen to follow in Keirn Jewiss’ footsteps from last season, had swapped fastest times with Maloney earlier in the day, but failed to match the 46.581 in the afternoon.

Behind Louie was Tommy Foster (no relation.) He was one of the few to improve in the afternoon setting a best of 46.614. Carter Williams in the JHR would finish ninth overall as he adapts to the F4 car.

The only other driver to drop below the 47 second mark was Roberto Faria. Sadly for the Brazilian, despite improving in the afternoon, he was the only driver to cause a red flag, stopping on the inside of turn one with an hour to go. His distinctive paint splash livery being towed back to the pits.

Rounding out the top twelve would be Mariano Martinez and Saudi female driver Reema Juffali.

The first British F4 round takes place at Oulton Park on the 6th / 7th April.