Chris Dittmann Racing demonstrated strong pace throughout the latest rounds of the Wera Tools F4 British Championship certified by FIA at Donington Park, securing three pole positions, a podium finish and a season-best result during a weekend of mixed fortunes.
Tommy Harfield set the benchmark in Saturday morning’s qualifying session, securing pole position for both of the weekend’s main-grid races, while Henry Mercier completed a clean sweep by taking reverse-grid pole for race two.
Harfield was immediately involved in the fight at the front in the opening contest. Although he lost the lead on the run to turn one, he held second through the Craner Curves and remained in contention throughout. Setting consecutive fastest laps as he attempted to close the gap ahead, Tommy eventually crossed the line second to secure a well-earned podium.
Mercier made progress from 16th on the grid to finish 13th, while Piotr Orzechowski and Daniella Sutton endured more difficult races. Piotr battled his way through the order before finishing 26th, while a spin dropped Daniella to the back of the field.
Mercier was given his opportunity to shine in race two, lining up from pole position. Although Scott Kin Lindblom made the better start, Henry defended strongly from Jack Clark through the Melbourne Loop before coming under further pressure during a frantic opening few laps. He kept himself in contention throughout an interrupted race to take fourth at the chequered flag, his best result of the season.
Harfield started 12th and worked his way forward applying pressure to the cars ahead, while Orzechowski improved from 19th on the grid to 24th. Sutton also made progress, climbing two positions from 27th to finish 25th.
Harfield made strong start from pole in the final race and resisted an early challenge from Ethan Jeff-Hall for the lead with a switchback at the final hairpin. Following a Safety Car restart, however, contact while fighting for the lead sent him across the gravel at McLeans. Damage to the front-right suspension forced him into retirement, bringing a frustrating end to a weekend in which the pace had promised much more.
Mercier capped his weekend with another strong drive, improving from 12th on the grid to ninth, while Sutton made up seven places to finish 20th. Orzechowski also raced well, as the incident-filled contest was ultimately brought to an early end by a red flag.
With three pole positions, Harfield’s podium and Mercier’s season-best fourth place, Chris Dittmann Racing leaves Donington Park with plenty of positives to build on ahead of the next rounds at Croft on the 5 & 6 September.
Chris Dittmann, Team Principal
“It’s been bittersweet. It’s a disappointing way to finish the weekend. We were able to secure three pole positions, which is a great testament to all the hard work the team has put in. It shows how quick the car was this weekend, so to come away without a win is very disappointing.
“Tommy did a great job yesterday to come away from race one with P2, while Henry finished fourth for his best result of the season. There are a lot of positives that we can look to build on heading into Croft next, but all in all, it’s disappointing that we haven’t come away with at least one victory.”
