The 2023 edition of the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award reached its thrilling conclusion at Donington Park over the weekend. With a 13-point advantage heading into the event, it was Jake Voisin who emerged as the deserving champion. However, his victory did not come without fierce competition from his fellow contenders, Joseph Loake and Alex Dunne. The electrifying races and unpredictable outcomes made the championship finale an event to remember.
A Weekend of Intense Battles
Throughout the weekend, the drivers showcased their talents and battled it out for the title. Voisin started on a high note by securing a double pole position in qualifying. In the first race, held under damp conditions, the young driver converted his pole into a magnificent victory, with Matthew Rees trailing behind. Dunne, who finished in third place, demonstrated his determination and skill, setting the stage for an exciting showdown in the remaining races.
In the following dry race, Voisin once again took the lead. However, Dunne capitalized on a mistake by his rival and snatched the top spot, securing his fifth victory of the season. This triumph meant that Dunne still had a chance to overcome the 22-point deficit heading into the final race. On the other hand, Loake, who had been a strong contender throughout the championship, suffered a setback, finishing in eighth place and effectively ending his title hopes.
The Deciding Race
The reversed-grid race marked the climax of the GB3 Championship. Voisin started two places behind Dunne in the 20th position. The tension was palpable as the pair rapidly climbed up the order and found themselves in 11th and 12th respectively when a mid-race safety car period interrupted the proceedings. One more lap of racing followed before a spin by Loake brought out yet another safety car. Unfortunately, the race could not resume, and Voisin’s 12th-place finish was enough for him to claim the crown.
A Moment of Triumph
Upon clinching the championship, Voisin expressed his elation, stating, “It’s been a long old year. We’ve made the most of it. Every time we’ve bagged the points, we’ve done the most we can and we’ve been rewarded. We got better towards the end of the season and it’s brilliant to finish on a high. I’m over the moon.” His triumph was a testament to his perseverance and growth throughout the season.
Voisin’s victory not only highlighted his talent but also underscored the importance of consistency in the GB3 Championship. Despite only securing one additional win before Donington Park, Voisin recorded more podium finishes than any other driver. This consistency paid off as he took the lead in the championship standings since round five at Silverstone in July. Additionally, Voisin also won the Jack Cavill Pole Position Cup, demonstrating his excellence in qualifying for the second consecutive year.
Following his successful performance in the GB3 Championship, Voisin will have the opportunity to further showcase his skills in an FIA Formula 3 test with Carlin. This exciting prize will undoubtedly provide him with invaluable experience and open doors for future opportunities in his racing career.
The GB4 Championship
While the focus was predominantly on the GB3 Championship, the GB4 Championship also reached its conclusion at Donington Park. Prior to the event, Tom Mills of KMR Sport had already secured the title with a remarkable ten wins throughout the season. With Mills sitting out the final race, Cooper Webster of Evans GP claimed the runner-up spot with an impressive clean sweep of three victories.
The GB3 Championship finale at Donington Park was a thrilling and unforgettable event. With intense battles on the track and unforeseen twists and turns, the drivers showcased their talent and determination. Ultimately, Jake Voisin emerged as the well-deserved champion, solidifying his place among the promising young drivers in the sport.
Leave a Reply