James Higgins has outlined that he has already began setting his sights on 2024 after concluding this year’s ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA campaign at Brands Hatch last weekend.
On what proved to be a frenetic finale around the world-famous Grand Prix layout, the Fortec Motorsport driver signed off the year with a string of impressive performances in front of a bumper trackside crowd.
Embarking on his first full season of racing in a number of years, the teenage sensation made his mark on the single-seater category – which is viewed as being the first step on the road to Formula 1 – by finishing sixth in the overall standings, just a handful of points off the top four.
After establishing himself as one to watch at the Donington Park season-opener, Higgins came to the fore at Brands Hatch back in May where he blasted his way to a sensational double pole in qualifying, and then followed it up with a maiden victory.
From that point onwards, the 17-year-old remained a constant presence towards the sharp end of the grid, with a second win of the campaign coming at Oulton Park – in the championship’s milestone 250th contest no less.
Higgins also claimed a further four podium finishes and a number of fastest laps, with a few bouts of bad luck ultimately scuppering him from improving on those numbers.
Now, with the dust beginning to settle on the 2023 campaign, attention has immediately turned to next year, where the intention is to hopefully return and clinch the coveted crown.
James Higgins: “It feels like we were just starting the season a couple of weeks ago and now here we are at the end! To finish the season in the top six is a brilliant achievement and I’ve got to say a big thank you to everyone at Fortec Motorsport, as well as all my sponsors.
“Coming into this season we wanted to be challenging towards the front and we did just. Those wins at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park were special, and we battled onto the podium a few more times too – which was awesome.
“Preparations for 2024 started as soon as the chequered flag fell at Brands Hatch on Sunday afternoon though. I want to be back next year and launch a proper challenge for the title; and with a year under my belt I’m confident that all the ingredients are there to do just that.
“Obviously there is a lot to discuss over the coming weeks but I’m hungry to return and I’ll be working hard to bring as many brands and partners on this journey with me. Without the continued support from sponsors, none of this would be possible.”
