Plenty of positives for Chris Dittmann Racing on British F3 opener at Oulton Park

Chris Dittmann Racing had plenty of positives to take away after the opening round of the BRDC British F3 Championship at Oulton Park (31 Mar – 2 Apr).

Despite having just one week with new Malaysian driver Chia Wing Hoong, the team were able to put on a pacey display full of promise.

In fact, a podium was even on the cards in the second race – until a slight mistake while in fourth and honing in on the Top 3 saw the 22-year-old spin off the track.

But after being among the quickest laps, the team were delighted with the driver’s ability to quickly get up to speed.

And with other drivers ready to race or join the team in the coming rounds, they are looking forward to pushing on as the season progresses.

Team Principal Chris Dittmann said: “It was a positive weekend overall. Wing joined us in the week and got to grips with the set-up and the way we work really quickly. We worked together quite well.

“It didn’t quite go his way this weekend, but he showed some great potential and we’ll hopefully get him out again over the year.

“‘We already have Harry Webb with us, but after a hiccup with a sponsor he wasn’t ready for this round, but we are hopeful he will be ready for the next one.”

After a successful 2017 season that saw the team take second place in the F3 Cup and third in the driver standings, the team were looking to hit the ground running with Harry Webb in the British F3 Championship.

Unfortunately, he wasn’t quite ready to make the first round but the team were delighted to welcome Wing on board for the season opener.

Despite having only a week with the driver – who was making his UK debut – he quickly settled and was improving all the time during testing at Silverstone earlier in the week and then at Oulton Park on Thursday.

But after getting stuck in traffic during qualifying, he finished 16th – and didn’t get the rewards the team felt his pace deserved.

He got off to a good start in Race One, overtaking a few drivers at the start and showing good pace throughout to finish 12th.

The reverse grid in Race Two saw Wing start in 5th. With little time in the wet, he did brilliantly to get a good start and move into 4th. He was looking comfortable and setting some of the fastest lap times as he drew closer to the leading three cars. Unfortunately a slight mistake saw him spin off the track and end with a DNF.

Race Three was in the wet once more with another slight mistake forcing him to finish the race early.

Chris added: “It was not easy for Wing, jumping into a new country, team, circuit and car, but he adjusted very quickly. It’s just a shame it didn’t quite go for him this week.

“We should be in a different position by the next round and are busy working behind the scenes.

“We hope Harry will be ready to run and we also have a few other drivers we are close to getting into the fold in the following weeks, so are really looking forward to what we can do this season.”
ends

About the author: CDR