Title contending GB4 Championship team Hillspeed has confirmed
that talented British racer Oliver Clarke will make his return to
competitive track action at the Donington Park season finale this
weekend (15/16 October).
Clarke, who became a multiple podium finisher with the Markham
Vale squad in GB3 predecessor BRDC British Formula 3 back in 2020,
has been on the racing sidelines - other than some sporadic testing
appearances with Hillspeed, including the GB4 media day - since
that time.
Now, the 19-year-old Kings Lynn driver will make his GB4 race
debut at the team's local track for the all-important final three
races of the season, to bolster Hillspeed's challenge for the
Teams' Championship and to help support Max Marzorati's bid for the
Drivers' Championship.
Clarke had a run out at Donington Park last month in the GB4 car
he will race this weekend and was expectedly on the pace. He will
team up with Marzorati and double GB4 race winner, and Donington
Park GP lap record holder, Megan Gilkes during rounds 22, 23 and
24.
Former karting champion Clarke graduated to car racing in 2018 in
the Formula 4 United States Championship and returned to racing in
the UK in time for the 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship season
with Hillspeed, the team's landmark 50th anniversary year in
motorsport.
Ending his maiden season at F3 level eighth in the championship
standings, Clarke was a top six finisher on his debut at Oulton
Park and achieved his first BRDC British F3 podium at a wet
Donington Park in only his sixth race in the category.
He returned to the rostrum at Donington's National Circuit
configuration in round 19 and only missed a weekend double, and
career-best second place, due to a damaged tyre sidewall in round
21 later in the day. In the season finale at Silverstone GP
Circuit, he just missed the podium in fourth.
Hillspeed Team Principal Richard Ollerenshaw
said: "It's fantastic to have Ollie back in the team
as we make a big push for the Teams' Championship title in GB4 this
weekend. We all know what an outstanding talent he is from his time
with us in BRDC British F3, and when he tested with us in the GB4
car last month he was immediately on the pace and very comfortable
with the car and the team.
"It's a huge weekend for Hillspeed, the finale of GB4 and GB3 and
all at our home track. Max [Marzorati] is obviously battling hard
for the GB4 Drivers' title and we go into Donington leading the
Teams' standings. Ollie's involvement will be incredibly important
as we look to try and win both GB4 championships."
Oliver Clarke said: "I'm buzzing to be back
racing, especially with the Hillspeed guys, and looking forward to
doing my bit in trying to help win the GB4 Teams' Championship.
When I tested the car at Donington I was quick out of the box, even
though I've been on the sidelines for some time, so I'm feeling
pretty confident we should be able to challenge up at the
front.
"I always aim to do the best I can and it's a big weekend for the
team, so hopefully I can play a role there and bring some
silverware back for Hillspeed. Qualifying will be important, as
ever, but I do like the GP track at Donington so I'm confident we
should be able to start strongly and build from there with a really
strong team effort."
12 October 2022
