Freddie Slater is the early pace-setter as the 2023 Michelin Ginetta Junior Championship races on the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit for the first time this weekend.
Following on from his historic title victory in the Ginetta Junior Winter Series last November, Slater (R Racing) dominated proceedings in the season opener at Oulton Park last month. He secured a double pole position and a hat-trick of race wins.
Slater became only the fourth driver in Ginetta Junior history to win the opening three races of a season. It’s potentially a good omen for the 14-year-old talent. On each previous occasion, the successful driver has gone on to end the season as champion.
Alongside Slater, the standout performer across the opening races was Hugo Schwarze (Elite Motorsport). The first German driver to compete in the series since 2015, he enjoyed a car-racing debut to remember. He claimed a hat-trick of podium finishes.
Fellow Elite rookie Charlie Hart also starred, finishing second to Slater in qualifying and race one. Alisha Palmowski also joined her team-mates in picking up silverware. She has begun her quest to become the first female Junior champion in 14 years.
Fin Harrison (Assetto Racing) also left Oulton Park with a trophy after battling his way to third place in the final race. Reza Seewooruthun (R Racing) was unlucky not to secure a podium after finishing fourth. He set the fastest lap of the race on two occasions.
Alongside Slater and Seewooruthun, R Racing’s challenge for a third consecutive drivers’ title features returning drivers Luca Hopkinson and Mikey Porter. Both were in the thick of the front-running action on the opening weekend, and rookie talent Edu Robinson.
A competitive start to the season has already seen 15 different drivers record top ten race finishes. That group includes Mckenzie Douglass and Freddie Allum with multiple former champions Elite Motorsport, plus 2023 Ginetta Junior Scholarship winner Chase Fernandez (Assetto Racing).
Tom Spragg (Preptech UK) and Alastair Rushforth Motorsport pair Brea Angliss and Leo Robinson also broke into the top ten. Aiming to achieve the same feat this weekend will be Felix Livesey (Xentek Motorsport), Fox Motorsport duo Harry Moss and Holly Miall, and Henry Joslyn (Preptech UK) on his championship debut.
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Weekend Timetable:
Saturday 06 May – Qualifying, 11:10; Race One, 15:24
Sunday 07 May – Race Two, 09:00; Race Three, 16:17
All three races will be streamed live on Ginetta’s YouTube channel and Facebook page. Live timing and results will be available here: https://www.tsl-timing.com/event/231805
