Bart Horsten salvaged a pair of top ten finishes from a character-building third meeting of the 2021 BRDC British F3 Championship season at Donington Park (10/11 July).
Having contested no less than nine races at Donington Park during the COVID-affected 2020 season, Horsten certainly felt at home at the former F1 circuit as he looked to carry the momentum from a first podium finish of the campaign at Silverstone two weeks’ prior.
Two days of official testing preceded the race weekend, with the Australian ace highlighting the pace and potential of his Hitech GP car by posting the fastest time overall. He followed that up with another strong result in qualifying on Saturday morning as he finished fourth quickest.
The Time and More UK with Briston Watches, The Web Guys and Sim Rigs UK backed driver was unfortunately carrying over a five place grid penalty from Silverstone though, so was on the back foot for the opening race that afternoon as he started in ninth place.
Horsten hooked under the rear wing of Dexter Patterson as the race developed and piled on the pressure to try and gain a position. Despite his best efforts though, he had to take the chequered flag in ninth, before being promoted a position post-race.
The Perth racer made a good start to race two as he immediately gained a position to fourth and he was soon challenging for the final podium position. He attempted a move into the final hairpin which unfortunately resulted in contact, which led to him being penalised post-race.
The full reverse grid final race gave the 19 year old a last chance to showcase his clear pace and racecraft, and he duly delivered a great charge from last place at the start. Holding position through a busy opening lap, he then quickly gained four places before an early safety car period.
Steady progress after the restart saw him gain three more places to take the chequered flag in tenth overall. A host of post-race penalties then played into his favour and promoted him to seventh place in the final result.
Horsten, who is supported by EP Warmfloor, Carl Ford Accountancy and Kapow! Your Personal Brand and Business Coach, now sits eighth in the championship standings ahead of the next rounds at one of the most famous circuits in the world, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium (24/25 July).
Bart Horsten:“This weekend is a tough one to take. A lot of hurdles were thrown in our path and we did the best job possible. In the circumstances, I have to come away pleased with a couple of top ten finishes and the knowledge that the ingredients were there for much more.
“We showed in qualifying that we had the pace to be on the front row of the grid and again in race two that we were quick enough for the podium. The reverse grid race was a messy one, but it was fun to make some moves and end the weekend on a more positive note.
“With the clear speed we have in the car, I’m feeling confident heading into Spa next. To race as such an iconic circuit is going to be a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to get started.”
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.