The Brazilian Caio Collet made an excellent run on the streets of Pau, adding another victory to his record and increasing his lead in the FFSA Academy French F4 Championship. Belgium’s Ugo De Wilde ended his weekend with a precious 2nd place ahead of Germany’s Esteban Muth, who achieved his first podium. On Sunday morning, the third and final race of the meeting was disrupted by a downpour, forcing the Race Director to put out the red flag after a few laps. Only half points were awarded.
“It was becoming difficult to keep the car on the right track!” It was with these words that the leader Caio Collet confirmed the conditions of track had suddenly become very difficult, when a downpour forced the officials to stop the drivers shortly before halfway. “We started on slick tyres and I had a great start from pole position,” he continued. “Quickly, I managed to get a small lead over the pack, before it started to rain. In the end, it has been a very good weekend for me, as I won two races and have taken the lead of the French F4 Championship.”
Ugo De Wilde stays in touch
One of the turning points of Race 3 took place at the start. Starting on the front outside line, Arthur Leclerc slightly anticipated the lights going out and picked up a “drive through”. “It’s a shame, especially as I did not make an excellent start. Ugo De Wilde passed me even before the first braking point. My drive through the pits made me lose a podium and any chance of increasing my points total,” regretted the Monegasque.
Once in 2nd place, De Wilde was chasing the leader. “I felt I had great pace behind Collet. Before the rain, I was faster than him and I saw myself challenging him for victory.” The rain has upset the Belgian’s plans, but he set the fastest lap. “The next race is taking place at home, in Belgium, at the Spa Francorchamps circuit that I love. Collet is only a few points ahead of me, so I will try to turn the tide.”
First podium for Muth
Rather disappointed with his first meeting at Nogaro, Esteban Muth’s spirits were raised at Pau. “I really liked the track. Driving between the rails in the city at high speed and trying to reach the limits was a great experience. After my excellent Qualifying session and 4th place in Race 1, I’m happy to have been able to get on the podium in Race 3. “
Ranked 4th, Pierre-Louis Chovet is gaining momentum and continues to collect places of honour. He seems closer and closer to his first podium.
With excellent starts at Pau, South African Stuart White overtook Théo Pourchaire even before the first braking point, and was able to to secure the 5th place in front of his rival. For his part, Pourchaire continues to dominate the Junior rankings.
Determined to make a comeback, Adam Eteki regretted the red flag that cut short his momentum. “It’s part of the game. I’m still in the overall standings, which is the most important thing,” he admitted. Behind Reshad De Gerus, 2nd in Junior, and Ulysse De Pauw, Theo Nouet completed the top 10, finishing his weekend with a positive and important note for his confidence.
On the 1st – 3rd June the third round of the 2018 FFSA Academy French F4 Championship will take place at another legendary circuit, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
