Sharp back in GB3 lead

Kiwi Louis Sharp has snatched back the GB3 Championship lead, while Aussie Pat Heuzenroeder battled hard in Silverstone.

Back to back podiums edged Sharp clear of John Bennett and Tymek Kucharczyk as just 13 points split the top three in a thrilling title fight with just two rounds left.

The Rodin Motorsport driver was determined to bounce back from a disappointing trip to Zandvoort by qualifying on the front row.

Sharp made a strong start in the opener and hit the lead briefly before being swooped by eventual winner Bennett and ultimately settling for second.

It was a similar story in Race 2 where this time Cresswell got the jump and launched into the lead, but the Kiwi did a good enough job to keep Bennett at bay and secure second once again.

In the reverse top 12 race, Sharp pushed hard and salvaged seventh which was enough to secure the points lead.

“It was another good race, more good points and a strong end to what has been a really positive and, hopefully, significant weekend,” said Sharp. 

“After the disappointments last time at Zandvoort when I was knocked off top spot through no fault of my own, I’m really happy to have bounced back here with two podiums. 

“I’m back where I should be at the top of the standings at what’s a critical part of the season.

“We now go to Donington and Brands Hatch. I was strong at both tracks last season in F4 so, hopefully, 

“I can repeat the amazing success we had 12 months ago. That would be very cool.”

On a high from impressive performances in the last two rounds, Heuzenroeder improved throughout the weekend to emerge from Silverstone with some confidence.

Having qualified 12th after the JHR Developments driver was impacted by aero wash and he was further impacted when racing began.

Pat Heuzenroeder readies himself to go racing. Image: Jakob Ebrey

Heuzenroeder got “boxed in and was swamped heading into Maggots and Becketts” which left the Australian no choice but to shortcut Chapel and drop to the back of the pack.

He then made up six spots in two and a half laps to cross the line 16th.

On Sunday morning he enjoyed a much more steady race, holding and finishing 12th as tyre wear was the key.

The final race was a big chance for Heuzenroader as he started on the reverse grid pole.

He fell to third by Stowe and then lost further ground after being forced offline.

Heuzenroader, who battled understeer and dirty air, ended up securing eighth place to ensure he improved in all three races and secured 11th in the championship.

“I was happy to be in the top 12 in qualifying, but overall a little bit disappointed that I wasn’t well inside the top ten as I had hoped, as I did at Zandvoort and Hungary,” Heuzenroeder said.

“Saturday as a whole was a frustrating day but we will learn from it.

“Race three didn’t go as planned. Starting on pole, I dropped to third and, after some overtakes and dirty air issues, finished eighth. “It was an ok weekend overall, improving my position in each race means we were working in the right direction at least. 

“We’ll review the footage and after the long break I am sure I’ll come back stronger for Donington.”

Another Aussie in James Wharton was also in action in just his second drive of the year and he could not quite squeeze into the top 10, finishing 11th in Race 1 before a pair of P15s.

There is a month off before the penultimate round at Donington Park on September 7-8.

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