Bart Horsten still in British F3 hunt with steady Donington Park weekend despite teammate collision
Bart Horsten has taken a pair of top-ten finishes in the BRDC British F3 weekend at Donington Park, salvaging his weekend after a collision with his teammate.
Bart Horsten at Donington Park. (Jakob Ebrey Photography)
Horsten started the weekend with a display of his form, posting the fastest time in testing and fourth in qualifying.
He started the first race in ninth after a penalty that carried over from the Silverstone round, and finished where he started, unable to get past Dexter Patterson throughout the race.
He was promoted to eighth in the final order after post-race penalties.
Bart Horsten on-track at Donington Park. (Jakob Ebrey Photography)
He started well in the second race on Sunday, the last in a pack of four cars battling for the lead.
"We were quick enough for the podium," said Horsten.
It ended in tears when he attempted a move on teammate Reece Ushijima into the final hairpin, as the teammates collided, ending Ushijima's race.
He finished fifth but was disqualified after the race, as officials took a firm line after his previous incident at Silverstone.
Teammates Bart Horsten and Reece Ushijima collide while battling for third. (BRDC British F3 Championship)
Horsten started last in the reverse-grid third race after a five-place grid penalty.
He made solid progress throughout the field, up into tenth by the chequered flag, and promoted to seventh in the final results after post-race penalties.
"The reverse grid race was a messy one," he said, "but it was fun to make some moves and end the weekend on a more positive note."
Horsten is now eighth in the standings, just 29 points behind Alex Connor in third.
“This weekend is a tough one to take," said the Perth native.
"A lot of hurdles were thrown in our path and we did the best job possible."
"In the circumstances, I have to come away pleased with a couple of top ten finishes and the knowledge that the ingredients were there for much more."
“With the clear speed we have in the car, I’m feeling confident heading into Spa next. To race as such an iconic circuit is going to be a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to get started.”
The BRDC British F3 championship returns Jul 24-25 in Belgium
“With the clear speed we have in the car, I’m feeling confident heading into Spa next," said Horsten.
"To race as such an iconic circuit is going to be a fantastic experience and I can’t wait to get started.”
