April 6, 2018
Local racing driver Sebastian Priaulx’s preparations for the 2018 Formula 4 (F4) British Championship are in top gear as he gets ready to begin his first season in single-seater competition this weekend at Brands Hatch Indy (7th – 8th April).
Priaulx continues this season with the backing of title sponsor, 1ST CENTRAL. The Guernseyman’s partnership with the car insurance provider started last season as Priaulx, who recently turned 17, secured seven victories and finished runner-up in the Ginetta Junior Championship.
1ST CENTRAL has grown a reputation for nurturing young talent since its launch in 2008, and the long-term sponsorship agreement with Priaulx will continue this season as they target success together in the ultra-competitive F4 British Championship.
Priaulx said: “I’m delighted to be working alongside 1ST CENTRAL once again this year and I truly can't thank them enough for their support as I aim to progress in my motorsport career.
"Without their backing and that of Ravenscroft GB, I wouldn't be on the grid this year and we're determined to enjoy a successful season together in the F4 British Championship."
Simon Walker, First Central Group CEO, said: “Seb is quickly pulling ahead in his career and we’re thrilled to continue our support as he takes on his biggest challenge yet in the 2018 F4 British Championship. At First Central Group, we firmly believe in the importance of nurturing young talent, both within our business and beyond. Seb performed brilliantly in 2017 and this achievement shows he is driven to succeed. We hope 2018 is every bit a success for Seb and have no doubt that he will go on to achieve great things.”
Following the Christmas break, Priaulx got back behind the wheel of his Arden Motorsport machine during the first two official pre-season championship tests, which provided his first opportunity to assess his pace alongside the remainder of the 2018 grid.
Priaulx showed encouraging speed in mixed conditions across both outings, finishing second fastest overall around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit in mid-February and then mixing it towards the top of the timesheets once again at Donington Park earlier this month.
The latest test outing came as the Guernseyman officially unveiled his 2018 challenger during the championship’s media day at Rockingham (Tuesday 13th March), with another promising display seeing him end the day fourth fastest.
Priaulx said: “I’ve been really pleased with our progress over the course of our winter testing programme, especially during the official tests since Christmas. We’ve been towards the top of the timesheets in each test, which has been really encouraging.
“I’ve had a lot to learn when it comes to driving a ‘slicks and wings’ car, but I feel I’m adapting very quickly with the support of Arden Motorsport, APSM and iZone. We’re feeling confident that we can be fighting for victories from the beginning of the season.”
Provisional timetable - Brands Hatch Indy:
Saturday 7th April:
Qualifying: 09:00 to 09:20
Race one: 14:15 – 20 mins
Race two: 17:40 – 20 mins
Sunday 8th April:
Race three (Live on ITV4): 15:05 – 20 mins
Priaulx continues this season with the backing of title sponsor, 1ST CENTRAL. The Guernseyman’s partnership with the car insurance provider started last season as Priaulx, who recently turned 17, secured seven victories and finished runner-up in the Ginetta Junior Championship.
1ST CENTRAL has grown a reputation for nurturing young talent since its launch in 2008, and the long-term sponsorship agreement with Priaulx will continue this season as they target success together in the ultra-competitive F4 British Championship.
Priaulx said: “I’m delighted to be working alongside 1ST CENTRAL once again this year and I truly can't thank them enough for their support as I aim to progress in my motorsport career.
"Without their backing and that of Ravenscroft GB, I wouldn't be on the grid this year and we're determined to enjoy a successful season together in the F4 British Championship."
Simon Walker, First Central Group CEO, said: “Seb is quickly pulling ahead in his career and we’re thrilled to continue our support as he takes on his biggest challenge yet in the 2018 F4 British Championship. At First Central Group, we firmly believe in the importance of nurturing young talent, both within our business and beyond. Seb performed brilliantly in 2017 and this achievement shows he is driven to succeed. We hope 2018 is every bit a success for Seb and have no doubt that he will go on to achieve great things.”
Following the Christmas break, Priaulx got back behind the wheel of his Arden Motorsport machine during the first two official pre-season championship tests, which provided his first opportunity to assess his pace alongside the remainder of the 2018 grid.
Priaulx showed encouraging speed in mixed conditions across both outings, finishing second fastest overall around the Brands Hatch Indy circuit in mid-February and then mixing it towards the top of the timesheets once again at Donington Park earlier this month.
The latest test outing came as the Guernseyman officially unveiled his 2018 challenger during the championship’s media day at Rockingham (Tuesday 13th March), with another promising display seeing him end the day fourth fastest.
Priaulx said: “I’ve been really pleased with our progress over the course of our winter testing programme, especially during the official tests since Christmas. We’ve been towards the top of the timesheets in each test, which has been really encouraging.
“I’ve had a lot to learn when it comes to driving a ‘slicks and wings’ car, but I feel I’m adapting very quickly with the support of Arden Motorsport, APSM and iZone. We’re feeling confident that we can be fighting for victories from the beginning of the season.”
Provisional timetable - Brands Hatch Indy:
Saturday 7th April:
Qualifying: 09:00 to 09:20
Race one: 14:15 – 20 mins
Race two: 17:40 – 20 mins
Sunday 8th April:
Race three (Live on ITV4): 15:05 – 20 mins