Priaulx back on the F4 podium

The Guernsey driver collected back-to-back runner-up British F4 Championship spots in the first two races of the weekend which started poorly as he failed to match expectations in qualifying.

‘After a tough qualifying I couldn’t be happier,’ he said after Saturday’s double-header.

Arden team-mate Dennis Hauger beat him to the line in round 16 where the Sarnian made a good start and then capitalised on incidents ahead of him, sneaking through to take second, having expertly worked his way up through the order from seventh.

‘Everything seemed to fall into place in that race,’ said Priaulx afterwards.

‘We didn’t make use of our new tyres because of where we were starting from, but I still had great race pace.

‘I’m happy to be back on the podium. It’s been a while so it’s great to be fighting at the front again.

‘I’ve got new tyres for the next race so I’m looking forward to what’s ahead this weekend. We can achieve more great results.’

He wasn’t wrong on that front.

In the next race only Paavo Tonteri finished ahead of him.

Starting from the front row, Tonteri’s daring overtake around the outside of poleman and Double R Racing team-mate Sebastian Alvarez into turn one proved decisive.

Out in front the Finn withstood pressure from Priaulx and Ayrton Simmons, the trio matching each other for pace throughout.

‘It would have been nice to get the win in that one, but our pace was so similar. Both Paavo and Ayrton did a great job,’ said Priaulx.

‘At the start I got down the inside, which set me up well for turn two to pick up some places and that provided the foundation for my race.’