Chris Dittmann Racing’s Nico Varrone extended his points lead in the iRacing-based BRDC British Formula 3 Esports series at Brands Hatch.
The Argentinian dominated the first race on the circuit’s Grand Prix layout, as his rivals hit misfortune.
Hilspeed’s Oliver Clarke ran in second early on before spinning down the order, and BRDC British Formula 4 race-winner Jake Dalton took over the position until the final lap. A grassy off lost him several spots, and then exiting the Grand Prix loop he rolled out of the race.
Filling the podium behind Varrone as a result was Douglas Motorsport duo Harrison Scott and Ulysse De Pauw. On De Pauw’s gearbox were Lanan Racing’s title contender Piers Prior and Varrone’s team-mate Kieran Vernon, while Clarke managed to pinch sixth from Lanan’s Joshua Mason at the finish.
Four-time British GT champion Jonathan Adam started from pole in race two and took an easy win after Douglas’s Callan O’Keeffe had television issues that put him out of contention.
A spectacular first lap crash at Paddock Hill Bend wiped out many of the other drivers who had started near the front, and it was Fortec Motorsports’ Ben Hingeley who moved past more than 10 cars to take third straight away. He moved up a spot after O’Keeffe’s troubles, and had a sensible run to second place.
JHR Developments’ Carter Williams ran a comfortable third until the final two laps, when he came under intense pressure from Carlin’s Enaam Ahmed and Scott. He was just able to hold both off, and a few seconds further back Prior edged his rival Varrone to sixth.
Will Palmer had two offs but finished eighth, ahead of Lanan pair Mason and the rapid Bart Horsten.