Title-contending GB4 Championship team Hillspeed has confirmed that talented British racer Oliver Clarke will make his return to competitive track action at the Donington Park season finale this weekend (15/16 October).
Clarke, who became a multiple podium finisher with the Markham Vale squad in GB3 predecessor BRDC British Formula 3 back in 2020, has been on the racing sidelines – other than some sporadic testing appearances with Hillspeed, including the GB4 media day – since that time.
Now, the 19-year-old Kings Lynn driver will make his GB4 race debut at the team’s local track for the all-important final three races of the season, to bolster Hillspeed’s challenge for the Teams’ Championship and to help support Max Marzorati’s bid for the Drivers’ Championship.
Clarke had a run out at Donington Park last month in the GB4 car he will race this weekend and was expectedly on the pace. He will team up with Marzorati and double GB4 race winner, and Donington Park GP lap record holder, Megan Gilkes during rounds 22, 23 and 24.
Former karting champion Clarke graduated to car racing in 2018 in the Formula 4 United States Championship and returned to racing in the UK in time for the 2020 BRDC British F3 Championship season with Hillspeed, the team’s landmark 50th anniversary year in motorsport.
Ending his maiden season at F3 level eighth in the championship standings, Clarke was a top six finisher on his debut at Oulton Park and achieved his first BRDC British F3 podium at a wet Donington Park in only his sixth race in the category.
He returned to the rostrum at Donington’s National Circuit configuration in round 19 and only missed a weekend double, and career-best second place, due to a damaged tyre sidewall in round 21 later in the day. In the season finale at Silverstone GP Circuit, he just missed the podium in fourth.
Hillspeed Team Principal Richard Ollerenshaw said: “It’s fantastic to have Ollie back in the team as we make a big push for the Teams’ Championship title in GB4 this weekend. We all know what an outstanding talent he is from his time with us in BRDC British F3, and when he tested with us in the GB4 car last month he was immediately on the pace and very comfortable with the car and the team.
“It’s a huge weekend for Hillspeed, the finale of GB4 and GB3 and all at our home track. Max [Marzorati] is obviously battling hard for the GB4 Drivers’ title and we go into Donington leading the Teams’ standings. Ollie’s involvement will be incredibly important as we look to try and win both GB4 championships.”
Oliver Clarke said: “I’m buzzing to be back racing, especially with the Hillspeed guys, and looking forward to doing my bit in trying to help win the GB4 Teams’ Championship. When I tested the car at Donington I was quick out of the box, even though I’ve been on the sidelines for some time, so I’m feeling pretty confident we should be able to challenge up at the front.
“I always aim to do the best I can and it’s a big weekend for the team, so hopefully I can play a role there and bring some silverware back for Hillspeed. Qualifying will be important, as ever, but I do like the GP track at Donington so I’m confident we should be able to start strongly and build from there with a really strong team effort.”
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