Kiwi and Brabham backed Aussie begin GB3 campaign

Kiwi Louis Sharp has enjoyed a winning start to 2024, whilst Aussie Patrick Heuzenroeder also made his GB3 debut with Brabham support at the season opener last weekend.

Both trans-Tasman drivers showed flashes of speed and potential in their first drives in the intense open-wheel category at Oulton Park.

Having stepped up to GB3 after a title-winning British F4 campaign, Sharp was on the money straight away for Rodin Motorsport.

He recorded the two fastest times to take both pole positions on offer with a bet of 1:29.292, 0.287s up on next best John Bennett.

Heuzenroeder managed to sneak into the top 10, being 10th, eight tenths off in the JHR Developments machine.

When the lights went out, Sharp got a decent start but found a challenger in the form of Bennett.

The Brit made a move around the outside at Old Hall bend but had to concede in the run up to Cascades.

Despite a mid race Safety Car, Sharp was able to hold on to secure a special win on GB3 debut by 1.4s over Bennett.

Heuzenroeder had a consistent race but just missed out on retaining his top 10 position and finished 11th.

For Sharp, to win on debut was a special feeling.

“It’s a dream start to the championship,” enthused Sharp.

Louis Sharp flying around Oulton Park.

“After practice I knew our pace was going to be good. To get pole position by three tenths of a second was a bit of a surprise for me actually, and it showed the pace that we did have in the dry.

“It was a good race. My first start in GB3 wasn’t ideal and I had a bit of pressure from John into the first two corners, but I was able to just stay in front from that point onwards. 

“Obviously there was a Safety Car restart too, so I’ve pretty much experienced it all in the first race! But I kept it clean, minimised mistakes and I knew the pace was good.”

After a break for Easter Sunday, the GB3 paddock reconvened on Monday for two more races at a now chilly and sodden Oulton Park. 

Following a Safety Car start, Sharp retained his lead and built a 1.3s lead before an off for Rishab Jain neutralised the field once more.

When racing resumed Bennett made a strong exit from Cascades and hit the lead by going around the outside of the Kiwi at Island Bend before eventually winning by 2.8s.

“This race was a little bit frustrating,” admitted Sharp. 

“I had built up a nice gap but, on the second restart, I was really struggling for grip and gave John a chance to get round me. 

Louis Sharp with the winner’s silverware.

“At that point I probably could’ve been more aggressive to try and stay ahead but, to be honest, I’m thinking about the championship.”

Heuzenroeder had a strong race, climbing from 11th to ninth and collecting valuable points in tricky conditions.

This allowed the Australian to line up on pole for the reverse grid finale but a race full of promise ultimately ended in bad luck.

After being jumped off the line by Arthur Rogeon, Heuzenroeder settled into second before suffering a mechanical issue and pulling off to the side of the circuit.

The retirement was a blow for the JHR Developments driver who was on track for a maiden podium. Sharp managed to work his way back into the top five from 12th on the grid.

Heuzenroeder started his GB3 career with the support of one of the most famous names in motorsport, Brabham.

The Brabham Group has taken the 16-year-old under its wing with former F1 driver and Le Mans 24 Hours winner David Brabham performing a mentoring role, whilst former Aston Martin F1 communications chief Matt Bishop is also working with him.

Speaking prior to the GB3 season opener, Heuzenroeder was honoured to have Brabham by his side.

“I am incredibly excited to be working with an Aussie racing legend of the statue of David Brabham,” Heuzenroeder said.

“He is part of one of the world’s greatest motorsport dynasties, the Brabham family, and I am very fortunate to have him as my mentor. I intend to learn as much from him as I can, as fast as possible.

David Brabham with Patrick Heuzenroeder.

“I have sacrificed everything to be here and I am looking forward to taking the next step this season in the GB3 Championship – a highly competitive eight-round series that races on some of the world’s most famous circuits. 

“I will be up against some of the most talented young drivers on the planet, and you can be sure that one of us will go on to make it to F1. 

“I am working tirelessly – both in the car and out of it – every day to make sure that it is me.”

The next round of GB3 will take place on the famous sweeping bends of Silverstone on April 27-28.

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