Chris Dittmann Racing started its 2023 F4 British Championship campaign off with a bang at Donington Park at the weekend (April 22/23), with four podium appearances and all three drivers bringing home silverware.

After unofficial testing on Thursday, it was straight into qualifying on Saturday for the teenage racers, where quickest lap times would set the grid for race three, second quickest for race one, and a full grid reversal for race two. With both Daniel Guinchard and Jack Sherwood qualifying inside the top ten, in fourth and ninth respectively, and rookie teammate Gustav Jonsson not far behind in 12th, it was a promising start to the weekend for the team.

Race one began with misfortune for Gustav, as a small mistake proved costly for the youngster who had gone into the barrier at the Roberts Chicane on the opening lap, bringing out a red flag. Jack lined up sixth and Daniel fourth for the restart, who shot off the line to gain one position into third. Maintaining position until the chequered flag, Daniel brought home his first podium of the season but, unfortunately for Jack, he was forced wide onto the grass, re-joining the track down in 17th. On the charge and fighting his way back through, the 16-year-old crossed the line 13th in an impressive recovery drive.

Rain fell for much of Sunday morning, creating tricky conditions for the young drivers. Gustav was set to head the team in tenth but was unable to take up his slot on the grid, instead starting the race from the pitlane. It was a difficult start for Jack as he went through the gravel on the opening lap, setting him back, whilst Daniel had gained three positions into 15th. The Northamptonshire-based racer was up into tenth after a Safety Car period, until contact sent him into a spin, losing the positions he had gained and crossing the line 17th. Gustav enjoyed some close but clean racing, taking the flag second of the rookies, securing his maiden podium in car racing. Once again proving his ability to stay focussed and fight back from bad luck, Jack gained four positions to cross the line 13th.

With confidence starting to build, rookie racer Gustav showed strong pace in the third and final contest, which was broadcast live on ITV4, gaining two places despite very wet conditions, yet again securing a second-place finish and a spot on the Rookie Cup podium.

Unfortunately for Daniel, bad luck struck for a second time, with contact from behind on the opening lap meaning he became stranded in the gravel, unable to finish the race. Despite a slower start for Jack in ninth, the teenager began to pick off the drivers ahead one by one, eventually making it up into third position where he crossed the line to secure his maiden F4 podium and the fourth trophy of the weekend for Chris Dittmann Racing.

The team will be hoping to carry its run of good form into rounds four, five, and six of the F4 British Championship, due to take place at Brands Hatch in just two weeks’ time on May 6/7, while the GB3 Championship competitors will be on track at Silverstone that same weekend.

Daniel Guinchard, #49

G1 – 4, R1 – 3

G2 – 18, R2 – 17

G3 – 4, R3 – DNF

Championship: 8 (17 points)

“Qualifying was really positive. It was nice to be in the first two rows and at the sharp end as it set us up really well for the rest of the weekend. I had an okay start to race one, but then there was a red flag early on, and we did a restart, which was much better for me, possibly my best start yet. I was right up behind the leaders and settled into a good rhythm, until I eventually crossed the line in third. It was really encouraging to be on the podium on the first race of the season, and it feels good to bring home a result for the boys at the team, because everyone works so hard, and they’ve given me a brilliant car.

“Race two was really positive until the last lap. We got the maximum points for overtaking as I had gone from 18th to seventh, but unfortunately, I was hit from behind by another driver on the last lap and lost those points. Despite that, we were still fighting hard and showed that the car was really solid and had the pace.

“Race three was a bit more unfortunate. We got a really good start, gaining a position off the line, but again someone drove right into the back of me, and I was stuck in the gravel. It wasn’t really our day in terms of incidents, but you can’t have it your way all the time. It’s a long season with 27 races to go, so hopefully we’ve got all the bad luck out the way now.

“Overall, it was a good start to the championship, we got a few points and a third place trophy, so we’re not leaving empty handed. It was a good weekend for the whole team, the car felt great in the dry and the wet and if it weren’t for the incident in race three, I would have been in with the chance of another podium as well, so it’s all very promising.”

Jack Sherwood #78

G1 – 10, R1 – 13

G2 – 13, R2 – 13

G3 – 9, R3 – 3

Championship: 9 (17 points)

“Qualifying was good. There was a bit more in it, which is always frustrating, but it shows you have the potential to be there. It was positive, and I’m glad to be within the top ten on the first weekend.

“I had a good initial start in race one and made up a few positions on the opening lap. I was happy with how it was going, but then the red flag came out and everything was reset. I had a decent start again, and was maintaining position, but unfortunately, I got pushed off onto the grass and hit a marker board which isn’t ideal for the car. After that, we just had to scrap our way back up.

“We had a tricky start to race two. I went off on the first lap onto the gravel, and that dropped us back. I started making the moves and going forward, then unfortunately went off again. It was a lot of back and forwards, but that’s how racing can be sometimes.

“In race three we had a decent start, but a car stalled in front of me, which hindered me a bit. I settled into a rhythm and set about picking people off and making the moves, eventually getting up into third and bagging a podium. I’m really happy and proud of the team, as they’ve done an awesome job. In race two the car felt a bit tricky, but they turned it around massively for race three. It’s awesome to be with a team as supportive as Chris Dittmann Racing is. I’m super happy with the result, and it puts us in good stead going into the next round at Brands Hatch.”

 Gustav Jonsson #23

 G1 – 9, R1 – DNF

G2 – 10, R2 – 14 (Rookie – 2)

G3 – 12, R3 – 10 (Rookie – 2)

Championship: 17 (1 point)

Rookie Cup: 4 (30 points)

“Qualifying was good compared to free practice on Thursday where we were struggling a bit with the pace. Going into Saturday, I had a lot on my mind, especially with it being my first ever qualifying session in the car, but I think we managed it well. Everything was completely new to me, from the car, to the surrounding, so it was a lot of pressure. The start of race one was really good, and I managed to gain three positions out the gate. Unfortunately, at the end of the lap, I made a mistake and went into the wall. Of course, it’s not what you want, but it was my first race and I’m still learning.

“For race two we had really tricky conditions in the wet, which is something I’m not completely used to yet, but overall, I’m happy with how the race progressed. There was lots happening in front of me, but I kept it clean and finished second of the rookies.

“Heading into the third race of the weekend, I was a lot more confident in the wet, so I felt like I could push myself and the car a little bit more. We were really fast towards the end, so that was promising. I wanted to come away first of the rookies, so I tried to go for the gap but didn’t quite make it stick, though I’m still happy with another second-place trophy. For my debut weekend, I’m very pleased. Working with the team at Chris Dittmann Racing has been a lot of fun so far, and I hope we continue to progress throughout the season together.”

 Teams’ Cup

Chris Dittmann Racing: 4 (33 points)