More Key Experience For GB3 Rookie Kulkarni As Rain Plays Havoc With Silverstone GP Timetable
Aditya Kulkarni continued his big learning curve in the GB3 Championship partnered by the BRDC at a very inclement Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit over the weekend, 27th/28th April, with the category rookie taking a best result of 18th place for Hillspeed in round four of the season.
Producing a strong showing in the event’s opening encounter on Saturday afternoon, particularly considering his lack of running there compared to his rivals, the 16-year-old from Harrow delivered a good performance before heavy and persistent rain then created havoc with the Sunday schedule.
Round five was moved from its morning slot to mid-afternoon, where Kulkarni had to settle for a 21st place finish in very tricky conditions in the No.15 Hillspeed car, while the planned sixth round had to be delayed due to timetable congestion – hopefully to be rescheduled at a later date.
Hillspeed also provided key assistance throughout the weekend to privateer GB4 Championship racer Marcus Luzio who absolutely starred, scorching to a podium finish in the opening contest on Saturday before charging to a top 10 result in round five after being tagged on lap one – Luzio also delivering the fastest lap on his rise back through the order in the latter.
Starting round four of the campaign 11th on the grid, after an unfortunate qualifying, it proved no barrier whatsoever to the 17-year-old who delivered a masterclass in overtaking to slice his way through the order. By the end of lap one he was already inside the top six and just after mid-distance Luzio was with the podium battle. Passing for third on lap eight, the move capped a stunning drive.
GB3 rookie Kulkarni continues development at Silverstone
Qualifying for GB3 on Saturday morning concluded with Hillspeed’s Kulkarni 21st on the times, leaving him work to do in race one to try and make progress in a very competitive field, featuring drivers with significantly more Silverstone track time under their belts.
Holding station on the opening lap, Kulkarni remained close behind the group ahead and on lap three passed Noah Ping for 20th position. Picking up his pace as the race wore on, he stayed well within touch of his immediate rivals and on the 10th and final tour moved ahead of two more cars into 18th to seal a very solid drive.
Persistent rain overnight meant a wet track ahead of round five on Sunday, and more precipitation during the morning as the scheduled start of race two neared meant officials delayed the encounter. Round five eventually began at around 15.45, but with the amount of delay to the schedule it meant round six had to be cancelled.
Lining-up 21st on the grid again for round five, with the wet and greasy track very challenging, Kulkarni concluded the opening lap in 21st and remained close behind Flynn Jackes. On lap six he moved ahead of the rival car to break into the top 20 but Jackes was able to soon hit back, meaning Kulkarni was 21st again and that’s where he remained to the finish on lap 10.
Richard Ollerenshaw – Hillspeed Team Principal:
“Adi had to work through some really difficult conditions this weekend with very little experience at Silverstone to benefit from. In total there were about three hours of testing for him before qualifying, whereas the majority of the others have all had at least six days of testing at Silverstone pre-season in GB3. That’s always going to put you at a disadvantage, but race one was very positive and he continues to make good steps with his driving and understanding of the GB3 car.
“We thoroughly enjoyed working with Marcus in GB4 and assisting his and his father’s privateer entry this weekend. His performances were exceptional and especially so in the first race with an absolutely fantastic drive to the podium. Hopefully we can continue and build the relationship going forward, Marcus is a very talented young driver with a huge amount of potential in single-seaters.”
Next on the GB3 schedule is the first overseas event of the 2024 season, rounds seven, eight and nine at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium over the weekend 1st/2nd June.
2024 GB3 Championship Driver Standings (after Rd6)
21st Aditya Kulkarni, 13pts
2024 GB3 Championship Team Standings (after Rd6)
8th Hillspeed, 3pts
