Wherrell takes maiden British F4 victory in Snetterton opener

Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography

Lewis Wherrell claimed a lights-to-flag victory in the opening British Formula 4 race of the weekend at Snetterton.

Wherrell was untroubled throughout the race as Scott Kin Lindblom and Dries Van Langendonck battled for second behind him.

The JHR Developments driver set the fastest lap of the race on the way to victory more than two seconds clear of the rest of the field.

Wherrell made a strong start to hold onto the lead off the line while Van Langendonck passed Theo Palmer to move up to third.

Further back, Tommy Harfield was in the midst of the battle just outside the top 10 when Timo Jungling attempted to get alongside him at the first corner. The pair made slight contact and Harfield was sent wide over the grass and into the barriers.

Elsewhere on track, Kit Belofsky ran into problems at the last corner, damaging his front wing and almost taking out Henry Mercier as he came across the track. Mate Kobakhidze also ran into problems and came to a stop on track.

The safety car was brought out to clear Harfield’s car while Belofsky and Mercier came into the pits for repairs.

Racing resumed with eight minutes remaining. Van Langendonck immediately put the pressure on Lindblom, allowing Wherrell to pull away at the front of the order. As the pair battled for position, neither could keep up with Wherrell. The polesitter didn’t put a wheel wrong in the closing minutes of the race and finished 2.048s clear.

Van Langendonck put up a strong attack but couldn’t find a way past Lindblom and had to settle for third.

Joseph Smith finished fourth ahead of George Proudford-Nalder, who was under pressure from Palmer in the closing stages of the race.

Ethan Lennon picked up seventh, ahead of Ethan Jeff-Hall, Adam Al Azhari and Jarrett Clark.

Race results (10 laps)