Arden Motorsport’s Red Arrows have their sights set on success as the team makes the journey to Thruxton for the opening round of the 2021 British Formula 4 season.
Both of the team’s new additions - Thomas Ikin and Zak Taylor - both head to the high-speed, 2.3-mile circuit in good stead following a successful winter testing programme.
Both Red Arrows will be looking to make their mark on their debut weekend with the team.
Thomas Ikin graduates into single seaters after an impressive karting career and will be eligible to compete for Rookie Cup honours, as well as outright results.
His team-mate, Ginetta Junior graduate Zak Taylor, will also be aiming for the sharp end of the grid, and his prior knowledge of the UK’s circuits could prove valuable in the early rounds.
Thruxton has been a happy hunting ground for Arden in Britain’s FIA Formula 4 series in years gone by; the team has four race victories and eight podium finishes to its record in Hampshire.
Qualifying will kick off the weekend at 10:40 on Saturday (8th May) before the season opener at 15:25.
The action will continue Sunday with lights out at 12:20 for Race 2 – the first reverse-grid race of the new season - followed by the final contest of the weekend at 16:30.
Although spectator attendance is currently prohibited by the latest government restrictions, both of Sunday’s races will be available to watch live and free-to-air in the UK on ITV4.
Arden British F4 Team Manager, Gary Ward:
“Testing has been a very positive process for the team over the course of the past few months and the entire team are just excited to get started.
“We have huge confidence in our line-up this year based off Tom’s and Zak’s progress and mentality throughout the winter. I know they are eager to get racing and I’m sure they’ll be wanting to bag some solid results to start the year on the front foot.
“It’ll be great to see where we stack up in a very competitive field. We certainly want to be contesting for some silverware to kick off the season.”
Thomas Ikin (#10) said:
“I’m really looking forward to the opening round of the season at Thruxton.
“We have been testing during the off-season and we’re really satisfied with the progress we’ve made, so I’m now looking forward with optimism to my first weekend of racing in single seaters.
“The team have been pushing me hard during pre-season, so I’m ready to go and looking forward to what the season may bring. It should be a great year, and I can’t wait to see how far we can go.”
Zak Taylor (#99) said:
“I’m looking forward to the first round at Thruxton. I’ve been working hard over the winter testing programme to make sure I maximise the opportunity this season, and I know I have a great team behind me to make sure we have an excellent season together.
“Testing has been going well, I’ve been working with the team closely to ensure we go into Thruxton with the best chance possible to achieve the results we all want as a team. I feel confident in the car I have under me, it’s just down to me to get the job done to the best of my abilities at Round 1.
“Thruxton is a strange one, this year going straight into qualifying on Saturday morning is different to what anyone has been used to in the past, which could spice things up a bit come the reverse grid race!
“Being back in the TOCA paddock for the second year running, this year on the British F4 package with Arden is great. I’ve missed the buzz you get when in the paddock and with crowds expected back during the season, that will add to the excitement as it will be great to see them return!”