James Higgins maintained his challenge for the ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA title at Snetterton this weekend (25-26 May) by claiming a brace of podium finishes.
The Rodin Motorsport driver proved to be one of the standout performers on a wet and wild visit to Norfolk as he took his podium haul to three for the season, while also closing the gap in the overall standings in the process.
Looking to build on his strong start to the season – which had seen him finish inside the top five in every race so far – the 17-year-old went through a mixture of emotions on Saturday morning during a pulsating qualifying session.
On a damp track, Higgins blasted his way to pole position in the dying seconds of the session however his elation was to be short-lived as a post-session penalty would relegate him back to sixth place.
Fired up from losing pole position, the BRDC Rising Star started race one from third and made a lightening start to the weekend’s opening encounter to jump up to second place, applying instant pressure to team-mate and race leader Alex Ninovic.
Permanently glued to the gearbox of Ninovic during the opening stages of the contest, a lengthy safety car period soon neutralised the race and with just one racing lap coming at the end, Higgins’ spot on the second step of the podium was secured.
Higgins found himself out of luck in race two on Sunday morning as he and the rest of the grid battled treacherous wet weather conditions. Starting seventh, the teenager had moved onto the fringes of top three before a small mistake saw him spin out of contention
The weekend’s third and final race saw Higgins add to his trophy collection with another fine drive. The race began in dry conditions and following contact between the top two, Higgins was able to make his way up to third place.
Following a lengthy safety car period, racing resumed however the heavens soon opened and with all cars on slick tyres, the red flag was waved, which ensured Higgins finished on the third step of the rostrum.
James Higgins: “It’s been a bit of crazy weekend so to come away with two podium finishes is pretty mega! The weather conditions have been all over the place but credit to everyone at Rodin Motorsport because they didn’t miss a beat.
“Having pole position taken away from me was a tough pill to swallow but we managed to bounce back by making it onto the podium in race one. Then, in race two I felt we were on for another strong result however the conditions just caught me out.
“To be able to come back and get on the podium in race three was a nice end. We’ve shown plenty of pace and are chipping away; hopefully we can hook things up at Thruxton and finally get on that top step!”
Rounds 10, 11 & 12 of the 2024 ROKiT F4 British Championship certified by FIA take place in less than two weeks’ time on June 8/9 around the fastest circuit on the calendar, Thruxton.
