Reigning British F4 champion Alex Dunne is graduating to GB3 next season and has wasted no time in getting used to his new challenge.
Off the back of his record-breaking British F4 campaign, which saw him set a new milestone for race victories with 11, he’s already been showing strong pace in GB3 testing, with his Hitech GP team reporting that he’s already beaten the 2022 pole time at Snetterton.
His performances this year, which included securing the runner-up spot in Italian F4, attracted attention from across Europe, but ultimately the Irishman has opted for a campaign in GB3 next year, highlighting the car and calendar as major factors in his decision process.
“I think the main reason GB3 was such a good option was not only being able to stay with Hitech, but because the car has quite a lot of downforce, so it’s a lot more comparable to FIA F3 cars than Formula Regional would be for example” he said.
“I’m also really looking forward to getting the opportunity to race at Zandvoort, the track and the new banking looks really cool, and it’s great to get the chance to learn a new track.”
The 17-year-old’s F4 success means he will be hotly tipped by many observers ahead of the 2023 GB3 season, and he is hoping to continue his title-winning form with the reigning champions.
“I’m quite optimistic going into GB3, Hitech won the team’s and driver’s championship in 2022 so it shows how competitive they are. I feel very comfortable working in the team so I think we can get some really good results!”
Dunne’s ascension to GB3 means he stays with the Hitech team that propelled him to the F4 title, which he hopes will be an advantage.
“I think staying with Hitech is really good, being comfortable in the environment and being comfortable with working with everyone is really important, and I really enjoy the atmosphere in the team. So I think that plays a big part in doing so well.”
With just under five months to go until the start of the new season, Dunne has already enjoyed some decent track time in the Tatuus MSV-022 GB3 car, and is relishing the step up in performance.
“I’ve really enjoyed driving the car, I’ve done a day at Snetterton and two days at Silverstone which went well. The main jump in comparison to F4 is the downforce and how much corner speed I can now carry, but I really enjoy the car.”
He’s returning to F4 for the final time in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix support races this weekend, but Dunne has already set targets for his GB3 campaign, which starts at Oulton Park in April.
“I think the main goal is to win. Obviously it’s going to be hard after what I did in F4, but I think we can still achieve great things!”