Two pole positions and two wins. Carlin’s Jamie Caroline got his season off to a flyer in the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost. He arrives at Donington Park this weekend with a 19 point lead in the standings and on the hunt for more silverware.

The Leicestershire circuit saw one of the most stunning drives of the 2016 motorsport season, as Caroline mastered the rain to carve his way through the field, attracting interest from around the world having gone viral online. Come rain or shine, the 18-year-old is likely to be a front-runner this weekend.

However, don’t expect the Pirtek Racing-backed rising star to have things all his own way. The talented teenager may have emerged from the season opener on top, but the Ford EcoBoost-powered field is closer than ever.

TRS Arden’s Ayrton Simmons claimed an emotional maiden win a fortnight ago, meanwhile team-mates Oscar Piastri and Alex Quinn each recorded a brace of podiums. Donington Park has happy memories for Quinn, as the scene of his maiden pole position and victory in the series last year.

Carlin’s Patrik Pasma also starred on the podium on his British F4 debut; both he and fellow Carlin runner Logan Sargeant got their respective campaigns off to a great start with strong points scores.

JHR Developments driver Billy Monger seized the initiative in the Ford F4 Challenge Cup, taking all three class victories. Although Oliver York (Fortec Motorsports) and Harry Webb (Richardson Racing) were snapping at his heels and can turn the tables.

Added to the Challenge Cup mix this weekend is Fortec Motorsports’ newest recruit Hampus Ericsson. The 15-year-old begins his single-seater career in British F4, with the hope that he will one day emulate older brother Marcus and race in Formula 1.

Manuel Sulaimán (JHR Developments) finished in the points in every race at Brands Hatch, while Yves Baltas (TRS Arden) came within touching distance of the points paying positions and will want to score this time out.

If Linus Lundqvist hadn’t had bad luck, he would have had no luck at all at Brands Hatch. A frustrating debut left him without a point. Don’t be fooled though, the Swedish single-seater champion is devastatingly quick behind the wheel. He set the pace in free practice and qualified on the second row before his weekend unravelled.

His Double R Racing team-mates Karl Massaad and Daniel Cao showcased their racecraft with some thrilling battles in the pack which involved Lucas Alecco Roy (Carlin), Jamie Sharp (Sharp Motorsport) and Jacky Liu (GW Motorsport). Expect more of the same from these exciting motor racing prospects, as they look to bring home points.

Testing at Donington Park commences tomorrow ahead of an action packed Saturday which will see qualifying at 1030, followed by two races at 1440 and 1735 respectively. Lights go out for the final race of the weekend at 1220 on Sunday which will be shown live on ITV4.

Donington Park timetable
Thursday 13 April
0950-1035 & 1410-1450 Testing

Saturday 15 April
1030 Qualifying; 1440 Race 1; 1735 Race 2

Sunday 16 April
1220 Race 3 LIVE ON ITV4

On TV – Live on ITV4 & itv.com Sunday 1220.
On Radio – Listen to live circuit commentary on British F4 Radio.
Listen to interviews throughout the weekend here.
Follow live timing and results here.

Event details & tickets
donington-park.co.uk