Rodin Carlin rounded out the final round of the 2023 ROKiT BritishF4 Championship in style today clinching the teams’ title while also taking Louis Sharp to the overall Diver’s Championship. The team entered round ten at Brands Hatch with a strong margin in the standings and were crowned Team’s Champions after a stellar race from Josh Irfan on Sunday morning who took his second victory of the year. The combined season efforts of Sharp, Irfan, Dion Gowda and Noah Lisle led Rodin Carlin to their sixth British F4 title. Sharp, meanwhile, left it until the final race of the season to brilliantly clinch his driver’s title with the Rodin Cars backed driver taking second across the line.
After 27 races the championship fight came down to the wire leading to a fantastic prospect for the Brands Hatch finale. Once again, Sharp proved his intentions early with his testing pace before qualifying saw the New Zealand racer cement his speed with a double pole position. Opening his account during race one Sharp maxed out with a solid victory over championship contender William Macintyre; Rodin Carlin teammates Lisle and Irfan crossed the line in eighth and 13th respectively, while Gowda was a non-starter.
A rest and refresh overnight meant that Sunday was going to be super indeed. The reverse grid race in the morning led to a fantastic showing from Irfan who stormed his way to his second race win of the season. In doing so the British racer helped the team clinch the team’s title with a race to spare.
However as the afternoon drew on, the big title was still up for grabs. Sharp had the edge in front with a margin of ten points over rival Macintyre. From pole position, as the lights went out, Sharp lost out to Deagen Fairclough however settled into the rhythm of the race as he focused on driving well for the duration. Not putting a wheel wrong, the Rodin Carlin driver showed fantastic maturity, despite his young age, taking second on the road to securing the overall2023 Championship crown with the entire Rodin Carlin team cheering him on.
A strong season for the Rodin Carlin quartet was rounded off with Gowda finishing the final race of the year in ninth, Lisle 14th and Irfan 16th.
2023 British F4 Champion Louis Sharp said, “I’m lost for words really, it’s been such a good year. I’ve really got to thank the Rodin Carlin team for everything they’ve done and also my sponsors Rodin Cars; if it wasn’t for them none of this would be possible and I wouldn’t be here.
“This has been a tough season with highs and lows along the way and we worked hard to make sure that we got the job done when it mattered. That final race of the season with Will behind me was the most stressful 20 minutes of my life and it was so nice to see the chequered flag!"
Trevor Carlin added, “I’m so proud of the whole team for everything they have achieved this year. Louis came into the season as a championship favourite and he dealt with that pressure incredibly well throughout the season – it is a truly well deserved title.
“To take the teams’ championship as well today is testament to the efforts put in this season from Louis, Josh, Dion, Noah as well as the entire team.”