Fortec Motorsports returned to the top of the GB4 Championship standings at the weekend (July 26-28), as Linus Granfors took victory, while Jack Taylor scored a maiden podium finish.
Heading back to the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit for the second time this year, Linus, Jack, and Dan Hickey had test and practice sessions on Thursday and Friday before heading into qualifying on Saturday.
Linus was quickly at the top of the timing screens, setting purple sectors through most of the session and at the chequered flag, secured double pole position and impressively set a new qualifying lap record. Jack and Dan both showed there was pace in their cars but would ultimately finish P8 and P12.
Starting on pole for race one, Linus led from the start, but found himself under pressure in the final stages. However, he manged to hold off any advances to take victory as well as the fastest lap. Jack was battling his way through the pack but eventually had to back off to preserve his tyres for the final two races and crossed the line in eighth, and Dan made progress but after a post-race penalty was classified 12th.
Race two took place on Sunday, with Linus starting on pole once again. However, he lost a place off the start but stayed on the tail of the car ahead, but later in the lap had contact with another car which allowed the leader to extend the gap. Despite sustaining damage, it was an impressive drive from the Swedish youngster to retain second place and score a podium finish. Jack had a quiet but steady race holding his position in seventh, whilst teammate Dan was forced to pit for a new front wing and finished 12th.
The last race of the weekend featured the reverse grid, with Dan starting second, Jack fifth, and Linus 13th. The initial start was abandoned after an issue with the lights, and once the race begun, Jack had an impressive drive, making his way forward to claim his maiden GB4 podium, while Linus was trying to manage his tyres, finishing in eighth. Dan struggled off the start and dropped back but was still able to have some battles and crossed the line to finish 10th.
Overall, it was a positive weekend for the team as Linus returns to the top of GB4 Championship standings with an impressive 321 points, as well as Jack’s first podium finish. The GB4 side of the team will now have a break before returning to action at Donington Park over the weekend of September 5-8.
Linus Granfors, #16
Race 1: Start – 1, Result – 1
Race 2: Start – 1, Result – 2
Race 3: Start – 13, Result – 8
Championship: 1 (321 points)
“In qualifying the tyres just kept getting better all the time so my lap times kept improving. In the opening race I knew [Lucas] Blakely was on new tyres on the left side so I just kept pushing as I knew I could put on a new set for the next one.
“Race two was tough as we had a first lap incident and something in the rear was bent, so I was just trying to finish the race. I managed to get a bit of a gap to P3 and I’m happy to come away with P2 especially with a broken car. Race three was a bit of confusing start with the lights so I think my clutch burned out. Overall, it was a good weekend, and we are leading the championship again which feels good, so I’m looking forward to Donington.”
Dan Hickey, #17
Race 1: Start – 12, Result – 11
Race 2: Start – 12, Result – 12
Race 3: Start – 2, Result – 10
Championship: 13 (116 points)
“Our qualifying wasn’t great, but I made a bit of a jump forward in race one with some decent moves. Unfortunately, I got a penalty post-race which dropped us back by one position. Race two I had a collision so had to change the front wing and then in race three just couldn’t get up off the line and I’m not sure why. I tried three different ways of getting the car going, which is a bit frustrating. I still had some decent battles with the cars around me, it was just unfortunate we couldn’t finish higher.
“This weekend has still been a step forward; the pace is better and we’re still closing the gap every week to where we want to be. It’s all experience and learning so I’m looking forward to the next round in a few weeks’ time.”
Jack Taylor, #50
Race 1: Start – 8, Result – 8
Race 2: Start – 7, Result – 7
Race 3: Start – 5, Result – 2
Championship: 9 (152 points)
“Qualifying was good, and I found a second compared to my previous best time, which is positive. We found a lot of pace in the first race, and I was stuck in a group, but then my tyres started to go off, so I backed off to preserve them.
“Sunday was a good day. In race two I finished where I qualified in seventh, and the last one was a bit confusing at the start and then after that there was a Safety Car. From then on I was just defending and held onto second place to get my first podium which I’m super pleased with. Hopefully I can carry this pace through to the next round at Donington.”
