A Silverstone washout couldn’t put a dampener on proceedings for Chris Dittmann Racing after they were crowned both driver and team champions in F3 Cup this weekend (13-14 Oct).
Cian Carey took double pole in qualifying and was aiming to add to his points tally before adverse weather conditions saw the racing cancelled on the final day of the season.
But it led to jubilant scenes as the title was confirmed after a tremendous season – while Chris Dittmann Racing took the team accolade for good measure.
A busy weekend at Silverstone also saw Ayrton Simmons take P5 in the first race of the BRDC British F3 Championship before the rain came down.
But it was the double delight in the F3 Cup that ensured the celebrations for the Chris Dittmann Racing team could really get under way.
Team Principal Chris Dittmann said: “We are absolutely delighted to take both titles. It’s been a brilliant season.
“It was a little bit of an anti-climax winning the titles without racing in the end, but Cian had taken double pole so was well set. Patrick also had his best qualifying session of the season with a P3 and is really starting to show his pace.
“But Cian thoroughly deserves the Championship title. He didn’t have the best of starts to the year with car trouble leading to two DNFs, but after that blip, he has been in amazing form.
“Seven wins and four podiums have showed what he can do and what the car can do too.
“But I have to give huge credit to the whole team, as all the drivers and everyone else behind the scenes have worked so hard this season and contributed to the team title as well.”
Chris Dittmann got behind the wheel himself for the first time this season at Rockingham last time out, taking three poles, two wins and the competition course record.
But another podium for Cian Carey in the final race helped him take a slender lead into the final weekend.
He ensured he would stay in total control of the title race by taking double pole in qualifying by half a second, while Patrick Jeans finished in P3 for his highest qualifying finish of the season – with Baptiste Leonard in P7 and Phillip Jeans in P9.
But torrential rain saw racing cancelled next day, leading to Cian taking the title on 358 points – with his nearest rival on 329.
He took seven wins and four other podium places on his way to the Championship crown.
Patrick finished in P4 overall, with Baptiste in P6 and Phillip in P9. Chris Dittmann Racing took the team title by 30 points in the end.
Meanwhile, Ayrton Simmons again showed what he could do in the BRDC British F3 Championship.
The young racer did brilliantly to qualify in P7, in tricky, wet conditions. With limited time in the dry, he then managed to finish in P5 in the first race after an excellent start.
The second race got underway, but the race was abandoned due to the bad weather shortly after, and race three didn’t take place at all.
Chris added: “Ayrton has really started to show what he can do and what the car can do with very little time out there. With more time behind the wheel he could be one to watch next season.
“He’s gelled really well with the team and is keen to join us again next season, so is working hard to be in a position to do that.
“Cian is keen to try to move in to the BRDC British F3 Championship, but again, will have to see what he can do. If not, he will hopefully be back next year to defend his title.
“Patrick has also shown outstanding progress with limited time in a car, so to come P4 overall is a great achievement. With more time next season, he will be another that can go on further.
“But every driver has played their part this season. We now look forward to some well-deserved time off before going again next year!”
ends
