Brilliant weekend for Chris Dittmann Racing at Silverstone as Ayrton Simmons takes first win in BRDC British F3

Ayrton Simmons took his first win of the season after a brilliant showing in BRDC British F3 at Silverstone for Chris Dittmann Racing this weekend (8-9 June).

The Epping racer was in stunning form, not only securing a well-deserved victory but finishing third and fifth – the second race, a superb drive from his P17 starting position.

A P6 for Nazim Azman ensured there were even more points for the team on the board by the end.

But it was Ayrton’s performances that once again took centre stage and saw him accrue the biggest points haul of the weekend, leaving him third in the overall standings, but closing the gap on the drivers in front.

Team principal Chris Dittmann said: “It was a fantastic weekend all round. Race 2 was brilliant, with Ayrton charging through the field from P17 to finish P5 to take home a good haul of points. Nazim finished P6 from P8 and showed some great pace too, with both drivers having a great battle for about half a lap.

“Ayrton’s win was well deserved. He got a great start and the top 4 were battling hard for most of the race which was good for the spectators. He showed brilliant pace throughout.

“He finished third on the road, but with the drivers in front consistently abusing the track limits, Ayrton diligently remained legal. The top two were both handed 5 second penalties, promoting Ayrton to first place. It was a well-deserved reward for all the hard work he’s put in over the past few months and last few races.”

Two podiums on the opening weekend for Ayrton, were followed up by a P4 and P5 last time out, with Nazim showing vast improvement with a P5 and P6.

This time out they had mixed conditions for testing, with a dry period on Thursday, followed by rain on Friday. Ayrton looked fast with a P2 and P1 on Friday, while Nazim missed part of the Thursday session, but did well with a P8 on Friday.

Ayrton found it difficult early on in qualifying, only managing three flying laps – but just missing out on pole. He set his fastest time on the very last lap to finish in P2, with his second fastest lap leaving him P3 for the final race. Nazim finished in P13, but moved up a place due to a grid penalty for another driver carried over from Snetterton.

Both drivers got off to flying starts in Race One, with Ayrton battling well and swapping positions for large periods with Verhagen for second and third positions. A brilliant manoeuvre saw Ayrton snatch P2 around the outside of the fast Stowe corner and into the braking zone of Club corner. However, a confusing post-race decision by the stewards judged he had overtaken unfairly and was subsequently penalised by four seconds, dropping him back a position. Nazim showed some decent pace throughout and managed a solid P11.

Brilliant performances and an exciting battle by both racers led to a thrilling reverse-grid Race 2. Ayrton started in P17 and charged through the field, picking off the cars in front one by one. Nazim started in P8 and both drivers had a good battle for half a lap when Ayrton caught up, finally getting in front of his teammate and finishing P5, with Nazim P6.

Ayrton finished the weekend with a win – despite finishing in P3 on the road. He battled well during the race with 1.2 seconds separating the Top 4 by lap four.

But with a number of drivers given warning flags for exceeding track limits and then handed track penalties, Ayrton found himself in the lead – fending off some late competition from behind.

Nazim, meanwhile, finished in P12 but was later handed a penalty for apparently making contact with another driver that saw him drop four positions.

Ayrton ended the weekend third in the overall standings, but just nine points off second, while Nazim now sits in a credible P11.

Chris added: “There were some strange penalties for both drivers but ultimately it was a hugely successful weekend for them. Both drivers put in some outstanding performances.

“It was fantastic for Ayrton to get his and the team’s first British F3 win, and I’m sure there will be plenty more victories to come.”

About the author: CDR