James Wharton claims another F4 UAE victory at Yas Marina
James Wharton is just one race away from claiming the 2023 Formula 4 UAE crown after another race victory at Yas Marina circuit.
James Wharton on the podium at Yas Marina circuit. (Formula 4 UAE)
Wharton started the race on pole, 13 points ahead of rival and teammate Tuukka Taponen.
With Taponen also on the front row again, the race start was almost a mirror image to that of race one, with Wharton aiming his car across his teammate and onto the racing line into turn one.
A tight battle in the opening corners was won by Wharton, who didn’t look back despite an extended safety car period to recover stranded vehicles from two separate incidents.
Wharton set about building his lead at the restart, claiming the vital victory when the safety car came out again with under five minutes remaining.
He crossed the line ahead of Taponen with McLaren junior Ugo Ugochukwu completing the podium
The young Australian now holds a 20 point lead ahead of Taponen with just one race remaining on Sunday.
James Wharton celebrates in Abu Dhabi. (Formula 4 UAE)
Fellow Aussie James Piszcyk started 14th on the grid but retired after losing a rear wheel in the opening lap melee.
Jack Beeton started last after failing to finish the weekend opener but was able to recover to 19th by the chequered flag, with final Aussie Noah Lisle crossing the line in 24th position.
The 2023 Formula 4 United Arab Emirates title will be decided in race three at 5.45pm on Sunday (AEDT).
James Wharton and Tuukka Taponen duel off the start line in race two. (Formula 4 UAE)
