Louis Sharp wins British Formula 4 season opener

Louis Sharp has converted a front row start to victory in the British Formula 4 season opener at Donington Park.

Noah Lisle and Louis Sharp battle during the British F4 season opener. (Supplied)

Taking the lead on the opening lap, the Kiwi held the position after a red flag restart, driving away to the chequered flag ahead of Aussie teammate and polesitter Noah Lisle.

He had initially qualified on pole for the Donington Park race but lost his time when the red flag fell at the end of his lap.

"Obviously after losing pole position I knew it was going to be tough," said Sharp.

"It's bloody hard to pass around these British tracks, especially in this F4 car. So for me to be able to get the lead off the start was really good, I made a really good start and got into the lead."

"The second restart was a little bit tougher, the right side of the grid was a bit slipperier. My start wasn't quite as good. Noah was on my outside into turn one but I was able to defend and those first few laps, pull a really big gap."

Noah Lisle, Louis Sharp, and Daniel Guinchard on the podium at Donington Park. (Supplied)

The Rodin Carlin driver said he faced competition from his teammate as his tyres wore out in the final laps, but was able to hold off the Australian for victory.

Lisle finished second ahead of Daniel Guinchard and set the fastest lap of the race, while fellow Aussies Jimmy Piszcyk and Patrick Heuzenroeder were tenth and 14th respectively in the season opener.

Lisle will start race three from pole after also setting the fastest second-lap time, while race two will be a full-reverse grid as part of the new weekend format for 2023.