Fortec Motorsport brings down the curtain on its 2023 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA campaign at Brands Hatch this weekend [7-8 October].
The iconic 2.4-mile Grand Prix configuration of the Kent venue will play host to the final three races in what has been another action-packed campaign for Britian’s FIA Formula 4 series.
The team’s pairing of Mika Abrahams and James Higgins also arrive in a good vein of form, having secured a podium apiece on the series’ last outing at Donington Park in August.
For South African talent Abrahams, the East Midlands triple header also marked a first pole position, as the 15-year-old continues to assert himself alongside Higgins as two of the championship’s leading lights.
With a top-three spot in the championship on offer for Higgins, and Abrahams well-placed to move through the order after only contesting a part-season, there is still plenty to play for both drivers across the final three rounds of the season.
Set against the backdrop of a natural amphitheatre in Kent, Brands Hatch is among the toughest tests on the calendar for the motorsport stars of tomorrow, with a unique blend of cambers, gradient changes, and high-speed corners. It’s a real drivers’ circuit, and overtaking opportunities are often at a premium, and for those brave enough to spot them.
The venue already holds fond memories for the Daventry-based team in 2023, with Higgins scoring his maiden win in single seaters on the Indy configuration back in May.
After the usual two practice sessions to get dialled in on Friday, the competitive action begins at 11:45 (BST) on Saturday. The first of three races follows later that afternoon at 16:30.
Sunday features another two ITV4-televised contests, with lights out at 12:10 and 15:55 respectively. Notably for this weekend, all three races will be broadcast, with the first available on ITV Sport’s YouTube channel alongside the other BTCC-supporting categories.
James Higgins (#18) said:
“I’m feeling very excited to get to Brands Hatch for the final round of the year.
“From my side, I’ll be giving absolutely everything to go out and end the season with a bang. I know Fortec will give me a great car, as always, so we have everything we need to put it together.”
Mika Abrahams (#29) said:
“I’m excited to get back in the car for the final round of the season this weekend.
“We’ve had a good year, with plenty of ups and down, and I’m grateful to have shared both with such a fantastic team like Fortec Motorsport.
“We had strong pace at the official test around Brands GP last month, so I’m looking to convert that pace into silverware and end the season on a high.”
Oliver Dutton, Team Principal said:
“Where does the time go? It only feels like we were unloading the cars at Donington yesterday, and now it’s time to pack up and head to Brands Hatch for the season finale.
“The pressure is off for the guys this weekend; there’s only so much we stand to gain, championship-wise, and we know we have both the pace and the performance in the car to go out and fight for pole and victory.
“There are other quick guys that will push us all the way, but they’ve got the championship to think about, so that’s definitely an advantage for us in such a competitive field.
“As always, qualifying will be key. If we can get that nailed, then there’s no reason it can’t be a very enjoyable end to the campaign, and then we’ll get cracking on 2024.”
