F3 Podium Finisher Clarke Makes Racing Return With Hillspeed’s GB4 Squad For Season Finale
Title contending GB4 Championship partnered by the BRDC team Hillspeed has this morning, Wednesday, 12th October, confirmed talented British racer Oliver Clarke will make his return to competitive track action at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit this weekend for the season finale.
Clarke, who became a multiple podium finisher with the Markham Vale squad in GB3 predecessor BRDC British Formula 3 back in 2020, has been on the racing sidelines – other than some sporadic testing appearances with Hillspeed, including the GB4 media day – since that time.
Now, the 19-year-old Kings Lynn sportsman will make his GB4 race debut at the team’s local track for the all-important final three races of the season on Saturday, 15th October, and Sunday, 16th October, to bolster Hillspeed’s challenge for the Teams’ Championship and to also help support Max Marzorati’s bid for the Drivers’ Championship.
Clarke did have a run out at Donington last month in the GB4 car he will race this weekend and was expectedly on the pace. He will, of course, drive as team-mate to Marzorati and double GB4 race winner, and Donington Park GP lap record holder, Megan Gilkes during rounds 22, 23 and 24.
Former karting champion Clarke graduated to car racing in 2018 in the Formula 4 United States Championship and returned to racing in the UK in time for the 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship season with Hillspeed, the team’s landmark 50th anniversary year in motorsport.
Ending his maiden season at F3 level eighth in the championship standings, Clarke was a top six finisher on his debut at Oulton Park International Circuit and achieved his first BRDC British F3 podium at a wet Donington Park GP Circuit in only his sixth race in the category.
He returned to the rostrum at Donington’s National Circuit configuration in round 19 and only missed a weekend double, and career-best second place, due to a damaged tyre sidewall in round 21 later in the day. In the season finale at Silverstone GP Circuit, he just missed the podium in fourth.
Richard Ollerenshaw – Hillspeed Team Principal:
“It’s fantastic to have Ollie back in the team as we make a big push for the Teams’ Championship title in GB4 this weekend. We all know what an outstanding talent he is from his time with us in BRDC British F3, and when he tested with us in the GB4 car last month he was immediately on the pace and very comfortable with the car and the team.
“It’s a huge weekend for Hillspeed, the finale of GB4 and GB3 and all at our home track. Max [Marzorati] is obviously battling hard for the GB4 Drivers’ title and we go into Donington leading the Teams’ standings. Ollie’s involvement will be incredibly important as we look to try and win both GB4 championships.”
Oliver Clarke – Hillspeed GB4 Driver:
“I’m buzzing to be back racing, especially with the Hillspeed guys, and looking forward to doing my bit in trying to help win the GB4 Teams’ Championship. When I tested the car at Donington I was quick out of the box, even though I’ve been on the sidelines for some time, so I’m feeling pretty confident we should be able to challenge up at the front.
“I always aim to do the best I can and it’s a big weekend for the team, so hopefully I can play a role there and bring some silverware back for Hillspeed. Qualifying will be important, as ever, but I do like the GP track at Donington so I’m confident we should be able to start strongly and build from there with a really strong team effort.”
Following pre-event testing at Donington Park GP Circuit over the next couple of days, qualifying for GB4 will take place at 11.50 on Saturday, 15th October, with race one of the weekend following at 17.10. On Sunday, 16th October, the two further GB4 races will be contested at 11.10 and 16.55.
In the sister GB3 Championship, where Nick Gilkes carries Hillspeed’s hopes, qualifying will begin at 10.50 on Saturday with race one getting underway just after 15.00. On Sunday, races two and three are timetabled for 10.05 and 15.20.
2022 GB4 Championship – Driver Standings (after Rd21)
2nd Max Marzorati, 442pts; 6th Megan Gilkes, 349pts; 15th Marcus Short, 39pts
2022 GB4 Championship – Team Standings (after Rd21)
1st Hillspeed, 798pts
2022 GB3 Championship – Driver Standings (after Rd21)
17th Nick Gilkes, 131.5pts
2022 GB3 Championship – Team Standings (after Rd21)
9th Hillspeed, 131.5pts
