Preview – Round 10
The curtain is set to fall on the 2024 British Formula 4 Championship at the iconic Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit this weekend, where Deagen Fairclough will look to round off a stunning season. Having clinched the Drivers’ Championship two weeks ago at Silverstone, where he also achieved a record-breaking 12th win of the year, Deagen arrives in Kent with the title in hand but still hungry for more success.
The young British driver has dominated this year’s British F4 series, amassing an incredible 508 points – 190 clear of his nearest rival. But despite his personal triumph, there’s no room for complacency. Deagen’s focus now shifts to the Teams’ Championship, where he and his Hitech team-mates, Reza Seewooruthun and Thomas Bearman, hold a narrow 31.5-point lead going into the final weekend. With the competition fierce, every point will count.
Heading to Brands Hatch, Deagen remains as committed as ever. “I’ve had an incredible season, but I’m not taking my foot off the gas just yet,” said the 18-year-old. “Brands Hatch is a special track and it would be amazing to finish the year on a high for the team. We’ve still got work to do in the Teams’ standings and that’s where my focus is now to help secure the crown – along with my team-mates – for everyone at Hitech.”
The 2.6-mile Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit is one of the finest on the calendar. Renowned for its sweeping, high-speed bends and dramatic elevation changes, the former Formula 1 venue rewards both bravery and precision. Whether navigating the plunge through Paddock Hill Bend or mastering the rise and fall of Dingle Dell, drivers need to be laser-focused at the picturesque West Kingsdown venue.
Sitting just a couple of points off third place and looking to improve his own championship position, Reza is heading to Brands Hatch knowing this final round represents one last opportunity to shine. “It’s been a hard-fought year and this final race at Brands Hatch is all about pushing for every last point. The GP layout is a fantastic challenge – one of my favourites to race on – and I’m excited to give it my all for both myself and the team.”
Thomas returns to the Hitech outfit this weekend, ahead of his full-time appearance in British F4 next year. The youngster was unlucky last time out at Silverstone after he was struck from behind at the start of Silverstone’s reverse grid race, but is looking forward to his third-ever race in single-seaters.
If it remains dry this weekend, overtaking will be difficult, which places an additional premium on qualifying. Deagen will be hoping to add to the six C1RCUIT Watches Pole Position Awards he’s already accrued so far this season. After Friday testing on the full 2.6-mile layout, that all-important qualifying session gets underway at 10.25am local time on Saturday morning. Race one will be held at 13.50pm and an additional race – race two – has been slotted into the schedule later in the day to balance the calendar following the postponement of a race at Silverstone due to bad weather conditions. This will be held at 17.25pm. On Sunday, race three is at 10.40am and the final race of the year at 15.25pm.
