Rookie Alex Connor made a flying start to the weekend by scoring double pole position for the first and third contests, and would secure his maiden overall podium in Sunday’s season finale.
The 15-year-old’s fantastic form meant he regained the runner-up spot in the Rookie Cup standings when it mattered – a remarkable feat given he was forced to miss the opening event due to his age.
Bart Horsten almost added to his win tally as he finished second in race two – initially, it was believed to be a second victory of the campaign, but winner on the road Sebastian Alvarez’s time penalty was rescinded post-race.
The Australian racer’s consistency across the weekend saw him consolidate fifth position in the overall Drivers’ standings, with race two marking his tenth visit to the rostrum in a successful season.
Snetterton race-winner Tommy Foster continued to bank points, putting in consistent performances to end the season with another solid haul, ending the year eighth in the standings.
Abbie Munro again highlighted her potential on a track she’d never raced before, enduring the ever-changing conditions to secure three finishes.
The Scot narrowly missed out on the points in a damp-but-drying final encounter, but laid strong foundations as she heads into the winter break.
Arden British F4 Team Manager Gary Ward:
“Alex has done a fantastic job, we’re so pleased for him and for the team as well.
“He’s really matured as the year’s gone on, and you’ve got to realise that when we started he wasn’t even allowed to race here because he was too young. He’s gone from that position there to being on pole and getting on the overall podium.
“Bart’s also done a great job and I’ve really enjoyed working with him this year. I hope there’s some future with Bart and Arden to move on, because he’s also done a very good job.
“Tommy put in another grand job, he’s worked his way up and learnt a lot this year. We took a win with Tommy, so we’re chuffed to bits with that, and he’s got a great future ahead of him so I wish him the best of luck.”
“Finally, Abbie’s been absolutely superb, after a bit of a mishap on Friday she bounced back again in the last race. She’s never been here before – not even on the Indy track – so what an outstanding job she’s done.
“It’s been a big learning year for all of them – most of them being rookies – and I think forwarding on from that they’ll all go far. So best of luck to them all.”
Abbie Munro (#12) said:
“I learnt a lot, on Saturday I struggled in the wet but in the last race when it was dry it was a lot better. I just got caught behind other cars but I got some great wheel-to-wheel racing in.”
“I found it hard to find my footing around this track, but I tried my hardest and it came together in the end.
“It was a great learning experience and I’m really thankful to the team for the opportunity. Hopefully I’ve showed what I can do to help get funding for next year.”
Alex Connor (#27) said:
“It’s been an amazing weekend, we managed to get the double pole which was really good in qualifying.
“The starts weren’t the best and neither were our first laps but I think in terms of overall pace we were there.
“To be second in the Rookie Cup is great – especially after I missed the first round – so that was three races where I lost a lot of points.
“I think I’ve done well to finish where I’ve finished really, it’s been a great Rookie season. Hopefully if I do it next year we’ll be on the game.”
Bart Horsten (#50) said:
“The weekend itself was a bit disappointing in some ways, especially with the amended result after race two.
“But we’ve had a really promising year, even though the results perhaps weren’t what we expected or perhaps deserved, in terms of development I came a long way this year.
“Towards the end of the season there were only little things that would stop me from being right at the front.
“Maybe I didn’t quite get there with a few of the qualifying sessions but in all the practice and testing I’ve always been at the front, and been racing competitively.
“I think I’ve improved a lot as a driver over the year.”
Tommy Foster (#53) said:
“The whole year didn’t really go how we wanted, but it was great to have the win when we came back after the summer break and the second position in the next round.
“So we looked like we could get on top of it, but then we’ve had bad luck and things just not going our way. But that’s all part of racing.
“Even though I’m not a rookie this is my first full year of cars so I can sort of be proud but I’m disappointed not to have more.”