SHARP MOTORSPORT BULLISH AHEAD OF BRITISH F4 SEASON

Jamie Sharp is sure to be one to watch this season in British F4 – Photo: Jakob Ebrey

Sharp Motorsport may be new to the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford, but the early signs suggest they have all the resources at their disposal to make a major impact in the UK’s leading single-seater series.

With a stunning, crimson red Ford EcoBoost-powered racer that is sure to be a contender for best looking car of 2017; along with an imposing team truck more akin to the behemoths that grace the Formula 1 paddock, the team from Rochdale unquestionably mean business.

Following an early off in the first official pre-season test at Oulton Park, driver Jamie Sharp bounced back brilliantly in the wet, putting together an impressive long run and leaving many wondering what lap time he could have achieved in the dry.

The team are at Brands Hatch for the second official pre-season test today and will no doubt be eager to see how their 15-year-old rising star fares against some of the world’s fastest junior single-seater stars.

Explained Jamie Sharp: “Going from karting to British F4 is a bit surreal really. It’s absolutely awesome. The biggest difference is that you feel a lot more secure in the car.

“At the moment it’s all about getting to grips with the car. Last year was full of firsts for me and I’m sure there will be many more this year.

“It’s also great to be part of the Young Racing Driver Academy which aids my development and I know I can always turn to them for help.”

Added father and team owner Joe Sharp: “The test at Oulton Park was a bit challenging, but in the wet Jamie did really well, especially considering he had never been out in the wet or driven the track before the test.

“To only be about half a second off the pace of the fastest drivers in the wet is pretty good going. We couldn’t ask for much more than that at this stage.

“I’m really happy we have got to where we are now and I’m very excited about where we are going.

“The team we have put together is great with our technician Connor Arnold and our manager/engineer Mark Godwin. Without them this wouldn’t be possible. We really do have a dream team.”

While Sharp is focused on achieving strong results from the outset and establishing his team as frontrunner in British F4, he is keen to bring more drivers into the squad.

“We’re looking to grow the team with more drivers and sponsors,” said Sharp. “We would love to take on some more for 2017. Taking an even longer term view, the plan is to run three cars next year.

“Drivers who haven’t necessarily got the biggest budgets can come to us and still get top quality support for a lower budget.

“We’re looking to nurture young drivers. We have a family atmosphere in this team and we want to welcome youngsters into our family.”

Sharp was also keen to highlight the roster of key sponsors who are supporting his fledgling team.

“Tokyo Laundry do all our clothing. They’ve been great. The Young Racing Driver Academy really look after us too. We do all of our simulator work with them.

“Universal Bodies have done a fantastic job painting the team truck, Kelsa are the people behind all the lighting on it and the team at The Vehicle Wrapping Centre in Leeds worked their magic with our British F4 car.

“Roydon Group and UK Truck Sale are big sponsors of ours too and they have been absolutely brilliant.”