Bart Horsten just 1.3 seconds off third British F3 podium at Donington Park
Bart Horsten narrowly missed out on his third BRDC British F3 podium of the season this weekend at Donington Park, with a weekend-best fourth-place finish in Race 1.
Bart Horsten was a consistent BRDC British F3 front-runner at Donington Park. (Image: Supplied/Jakob Ebrey Photography)
Just one round after the second podium finish of his rookie F3 season at Brands Hatch, the young Australian ran consistently in the top 10 during the two days of testing which led up to the Donington Park outing, and secured fifth on the grid in Qualifying.
The Perth native was quickly up to fourth in Race 1 when a rival ran wide on the opening lap, and pressured Kush Maini for third—but had to settle for fourth at the chequered flag.
The result put Horsten in 13th on the grid for the reverse-grid Race 2, which he held despite a change in the wind direction and pressure from the leaders behind him.
Horsten started Race 3 in sixth position, but was down to eighth at the end of a frantic opening lap—before finding himself locked in the six-car battle for fourth place.
Horsten has secured two podium finishes so far in his rookie BRDC British F3 season. (Image: Supplied/Jakob Ebrey Photography)
The Aussie was able to hold off the chasing Ben Pedersen, and dispatched Kiern Jewiss on the final lap of the race to claim seventh at the flag.
I think overall we can be happy with our performances at Donington Park,” said Horsten.
“We've been one of the regular front-runners and had a fast car for a lot of it, so it's a shame that we just missed out on a podium.
"Qualifying was always going to be important. We got the clear air we needed and it's just a big shame that the red flags came out when they did. We were about to go onto the front row, but we went a little too late and got caught out - that was out of our hands.
"We had the pace in race one and I got the chance to move up to fourth on the first lap, but couldn't quite find a place to overtake for third. I felt I drove as good as I have all season in the second race because the wind changes gave us a lot more understeer. It's good we found out in the reverse grid race as we could take off some wing for the last race.
"I didn't get the best start in the final race and that put us in a big battle. The pace was intense and I tried to pass a few times before I got Jewiss right at the end. I'm looking forward to Snetterton next as it's a really different circuit. I've enjoyed it there and we did well last year, so I'm confident we'll be fast there this time around."
