McKenzy Cresswell scored his ninth Rookie Cup podium of the season in the F4 British Championship certified by FIA - powered by Ford EcoBoost on an otherwise frustrating weekend (August 28/29) at Thruxton.
The JHR Developments driver showed front-running pace throughout the opening encounter, however race-ending contact in the second race left him without points and unable to compete in race three.
Returning to the high-speed Hampshire venue - scene of the 15-year-old’s single-seater debut back in May - Cresswell headed into the weekend confident he could build on race wins in the last two events at Oulton Park and Knockhill.
Cresswell’s preparations on Friday were dealt a blow as a fuel pressure issue curtailed his running to just a handful of laps during the free practice sessions.
Despite the limited track time, Cresswell - who is backed by Quenched Drinks and Salt Recruitment - powered his single-seater machine to fifth and fourth on the grid for races one and three respectively; just over a tenth of a second shy of clinching pole position.
Cresswell made one of his now customary fast starts and moved up to third by the end of the first lap. Following a lengthy safety car period, Cresswell found himself in the thick of the action but he was soon forced to contend with rising engine temperatures.
Managing his car for the remainder of the contest, the two-time race winner crossed the line in fourth overall and third in the Rookie Cup, scoring critical championship points.
The reverse grid race two proved to be one of frustration for Cresswell. After charging up the order to 4th from his starting position of 12th, he looked set to contend for more silverware before falling victim to a racing incident at the club chicane
Unfortunately, the damage sustained in the crash was too substantial to repair and it subsequently meant he was unable to compete in the final race of the weekend on Sunday.
McKenzy Cresswell:“It has been a frustrating weekend which ended early through no fault of my own. Despite not getting many laps under my belt on Friday, we had good pace in both qualifying and the first race, and a Rookie Cup podium was a great reward for that.
“In race two I had made great progress from the sixth row and felt I could push on to get into the top three but was taken out at the chicane. That contact caused too much damage and meant I didn’t even have the chance to line up on the grid for race three.
“It’s disappointing and I feel for everyone at JHR Developments as they have given me a mega car. We’ll regroup and look to come out swinging at Croft next month."
The F4 British Championship certified by FIA - powered by Ford EcoBoost is next in action on September 18/19 as Rounds 19, 20 & 21 take place at Croft Circuit.
Image from Jakob Ebrey Photography.