Thomas Randle continued an impressive start to his European racing foray by topping the times in BRDC F4 testing at the famous Spa Francorchamps circuit.
Gearing up for his first season in Britain’s BRDC series, the Australian F4 graduate ended the two-day test fastest by a margin of 0.7s over his nearest rival Tarun Reddy.
Driving for Douglas Motorsport, the 19-year-old from Melbourne posted a 2:15.724s personal best lap on his debut at the Belgian venue, which will host the fifth round of the championship.
Randle’s display follows on from topping the times during the category’s Silverstone test last month.
“I have never been so excited to visit a European Formula 1 venue as I was in going to Spa and it absolutely blew my mind,” said Randle.
“The track is just so incredibly fast, massively undulating and a supreme challenge for any driver.
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“Despite the bitter cold, limited light and overnight snow, I just loved every inch of the place and can’t wait to get back there in July for round five of the championship.
“I’m still pinching myself that I have actually completed two days of testing there and leaving Spa with the fastest testing time is as satisfying as anything I have ever achieved in my career thus far.
“After the two days of testing at Spa-Francorchamps, it has now topped the list of my all-time favourite tracks I’ve ever driven on.
“I ended up fastest overall across the two days, setting the quickest ever time for the new car around the circuit, so I think it’s safe to say that the first round is going to be a thriller.”
Randle, who will be joined on the grid by Darwin teenager Thomas Maxwell, will kick off the season this weekend at Snetterton.
Meanwhile, the Australian contingent competing in Britain’s FIA F4 variant MSA Formula have also impressed with Zane Goddard ending last week’s Dionington Park test in second spot.
The former Team BRM Australian F4 driver was just 0.3s shy of Carlin’s Max Fewtrell, while countryman Harry Hayek ended the day in 11th position. Red Bull junior Luis Leeds was absent from the test.
MSA Formula heads to Rockingham for a test on Tuesday ahead of its opening round at Brands Hatch from April 2-3.
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