The F4 British Championship once again played a starring role alongside Formula 1; on this occasion during the British Grand Prix weekend at Silverstone. JHR Developments driver Jack Butel’s Ford EcoBoost-powered racer was on display at the Silverstone Racing Club and unsurprisingly grabbed plenty of attention.
Commented Mike Norton manager of Ford Performance technical, sporting and programmes: “Having the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford car showcased at the British Grand Prix weekend further reinforces the F4 British Championship as the first step to Formula 1 on the FIA single-seater pyramid.
“Ford have supported young motorsport talent for almost 50 years and it has been great for F1 fans to get up close and personal with the series where the next stars of the pinnacle of the sport are coming from.”
Reflected Jack Butel’s father Derek Butel: “We had an excellent response at Silverstone. People loved Jack’s British F4 car. It was amazing to see how many people know about Jack and are following him in the series.
“At times you couldn’t even see the car because so many people were stood around it. From Saturday morning until Sunday night people were flocking to see the car.
“Silverstone Racing Club were over the moon to have Jack’s car on display and we’ve got their full support. Their logo will be on the nosecone for the remainder of the season.
“Nigel Mansell, Derek Warwick and Jerseyman James Walker were also really pleased for Jack’s car to be there. They are supporting Jack as much as they can in terms of advice. They’re really happy with what he is doing and they are excited to see where he is going to go next.”
It was undoubtedly a happy return to Silverstone for the Jack Butel camp. The circuit proving a happy hunting ground for the Jersey racer who claimed a brace of strong points scoring finishes in his maiden Ford EcoBoost-powered season last year.
Added Derek Butel: “Jack has gone really well at Silverstone in the past. It’s one of his best tracks. He’s been doing a lot of training during the summer break on the beaches of Jersey and has got some testing lined up to help him further up his game for the rest of the year.”
Despite it being the traditional summer break in the F4 British Championship calendar, Butel’s JHR Developments prepared racer has hardly stood still. In the run up to the British Grand Prix the car was on display at Longueville Manor and Jersey's town centre in aid of Jersey Teenage Cancer Trust. It then had pride of place during a promotional night for customers of one of Butel’s sponsors Express Auto Parts.
Jack Butel and the rest of the F4 British Championship field will hit the track at Snetterton on 30/31 July, when the title battle will go up another gear as the UK’s leading junior single-seater series embarks upon the second half of its campaign.
