Douglas set for dual GB3 Championship outings
By: Velocity News
June 5, 2024
New Zealander Jacob Douglas will make his European debut in the GB3 Championship for Chris Dittman Racing at next month’s round at Silverstone.
In September, the 18-year-old will return to the United Kingdom for another outing at Donington Park.
Following two successful seasons in USF 2000 in the United States, where he won twice and podiumed three further times, Douglas has used 2024 as a gap year to prepare for a full-time tilt in USF Pro 2000 in 2025.
His off-track development plans extend to the renowned Elite Motorsport Academy, where he was one of eight Kiwi drivers selected for the year-long programme that begins with a week-long camp in Otago next month.
“It’s a part-time year for development, getting some experience on new tracks, and learning in the hardest environment we can,” said Douglas. “We’re working on enhancing our skillsets in a high-downforce car similar to USF Pro 2000 machinery before we head back to the United States.
“Learning the next level of downforce is the goal with the GB3 Championship, and really getting a good feel for that style of racing so we can hit the ground running next year, rather than having a year off and not advancing or improving.”
“Chris Dittman Racing is a good team and is great for what we need. We need the laps and the experience. We’re not fighting for the championship, so our focus is on performing as well as possible and getting the most out of the opportunity.”
Douglas spent time in the UK testing with the team earlier this year, cutting his first laps at the iconic Silverstone, Donington, Brands Hatch and Snetterton venues.
Despite damp conditions adding to the challenge, he showed a good and consistent pace in each outing.
“Unfortunately, it was so wet, we only got one and a bit dry sessions the entire time we were there,” he said. “The UK, being the UK, we did five days, and more than half of them were wet.
“The Silverstone and Donington tests were in the wet. Brands Hatch was dry, and that was a big challenge. It was a very tough track to jump in on for the first day in a brand-new car, and it was a big learning day.
“Donington was good. We showed good improvement and were faster than some drivers that had done all the pre-season testing and the season so far.
“It’s a good sign to be the fastest of your teammates, but ultimately, we want to be as far forward as we can and show our true potential.”
The Silverstone round of the GB3 Championship, the sixth of 2024, takes place on July 27-28, followed by the Donington Park outing on September 7-8.
Each round consists of three races, with the first two grids set based on a competitor’s fastest two qualifying laps and the finale featuring a reverse top 12 grid.
All races will be live-streamed on YouTube.
