● Daventry-based outfit back on track as drivers Roberto Faria, Rafael Villagomez and Luke Browning rack up testing mileage.
● Drivers delighted to get back behind the wheel and excited to go racing after encouraging test days with the team.
● 2020 British F4 season set to get underway on August 1-2 with triple-header at Donington Park.
Fortec Motorsport are excited to get their 2020 British F4 campaign underway following a positive return to testing for their drivers.
Roberto Faria and Rafael Villagomez clocked up the testing laps as they made a welcome return to driving duties with test days at Donington Park [July 1], Croft Circuit [7/8 July] and Brands Hatch [10 July].
Fortec’s trio of drivers would then enjoy a positive day of running at Snetterton for the official British F4 pre-season test [23 July] before completing a day of wet-weather testing at Thruxton [27 July].
Brazilian ace Faria thoroughly enjoyed getting back on track as he aims to build on a successful debut season which saw him claim 21 class podiums and third in the Rookie Cup standings. With a best result of fourth position at the iconic Silverstone circuit last year, Faria has his sights set on securing overall silverware in his sophomore season with the squad.
Mexican racer Rafael Villagomez – who graduates from karts to cars this season – was likewise delighted to be back behind the wheel.
The 2019 Richard Mille Young Talent Academy winner will garner plenty of experience across the season as he dovetails his British F4 campaign with his commitments in the FFSA French F4 championship.
The series newcomer will partner team-mates Roberto Faria and Luke Browning, with the latter aiming for the overall title in 2020 following a remarkable debut season.
Browning made his mark immediately with a storming drive to victory in the wet at Brands Hatch on his debut, and would tally another win and a further seven podiums to place sixth in the overall standings last year.
After topping the timesheets on the Media Day in March, then finishing runner-up in the British F4 iRacing Trophy during lockdown, Browning has a clear goal to continue his form at the sharp end of the grid.
Competitive action this weekend starts with qualifying at 10:30 on Saturday, followed by the season-opening contest at 14:45 at the Leicestershire circuit. Sunday’s action features a double-header of races, as races two and three get underway at 09:40 and 15:20, with all the action live on ITV4’s free-to-air television coverage.
Fortec British F4 Team Manager Oliver Dutton said:
“It was really great to have the whole team back after the uncertainty of the upcoming season. The morale was high with both drivers and team excited to get testing to be as prepared as possible for the first race at Donington. We can’t wait to get the season started.
Rafael has adapted to the F4 car very well, it’s tricky learning all the new circuits but as he’s competing in a dual programme with lots of track time his progression throughout the season will be obvious.
Roberto is very driven, he considers every aspect inside and outside the car to be as prepared as he possibly can be. We developed a lot with him last year and are expecting an exciting championship battle this year.
We’re really excited to see what Luke can do this year, we’ve been watching him since Ginetta Juniors and have always been very impressed with his natural skill and ability. It’s really exciting to have him in our car and we can’t wait to get going.”
Roberto Faria (#7) said:
“It was an amazing feeling to be back with the team and get back on track before the season starts properly. They’ve done a great job getting up and running again and we’ve completed some really promising test days together. The delays everyone has faced have given us more time to prepare and now we’re really excited to get back to racing.”
Rafael Villagomez (#8) said:
“After such a long wait it’s been great to get back behind the wheel and do some testing with the team. The start of the season is not far away now so every lap we complete will help us out, and it’s good to sharpen up. I’m so excited to get back to racing properly, I’m sure it will be worth the wait!”
Luke Browning (#11):
“Coming to Fortec has been a really amazing step up, to see all the data they have and everything they’ve got at hand to make me go as fast as possible. That’s what really helped me get up to speed around Donington, especially with it being my first day out in the car this year. It was so great to get P1 on the media day and the car just felt phenomenal. I’ve got the perfect platform to go for the overall title with Fortec and we’re here for no other reason than to go and win the championship. Your second year is not for messing about, we’re here to start the season like we did last year with a win, and then aim to be consistent with more wins and podiums.”
