Japanese racer Dougie Bolger battled with British F4 championship front-runners at the third event of the 2021 season, held at the famous Brands Hatch Indy circuit in Kent. In what was a challenging and competitive weekend, Dougie added yet another trophy to his cabinet with his third Rookie podium of the season.
A cloudy Friday saw the F4 competitors hit the track for two practice sessions, in which Dougie was able to tally up 75 laps of the short 1.2 mile circuit. He ended FP1 within the top 10, and FP2 just 0.387 seconds behind the quickest lap time.
Saturday’s timed qualifying session proved frustrating for the 16-year-old. Ultimately the session ended with Dougie in P16. Whilst not the position he had hoped for, Dougie lined up in a strong P4 for the reverse grid Race 1.
As often is the case, the Brands Hatch Indy circuit delivered exciting racing. The first race saw Dougie gain a place into P3, and a potential podium position, on Lap 8. He fought hard for many laps, successfully holding off fierce competitors. On the final lap, the chasing car was able to squeeze past Dougie at the final turn and the two raced side by side to the line for a photo finish. Despite this setback, Dougie was still ranked as 2nd placed Rookie and was able to enjoy a podium celebration for that accomplishment.
Following Saturday’s race, Dougie stated:
“Frustratingly, the wrong decision on the final corner of the last lap meant that I missed out on the overall podium. The situation has taught me a lot and I believe I’ll never make same mistake ever again! I am pleased nonetheless to achieve my third Rookie podium of the season.”
Lining up in P16 for Sunday’s two races, Dougie was keen to make his way through the pack and did so emphatically, Race 2 saw the #25 Carlin car gain a number of places to cross the line P12. This race proved highly complex with tyre choices in changeable conditions being the subject of the day. Starting on wets, Dougie made impressive progress compared to many around him, rising to 8th place and competing for championship points. As conditions evolved, the slicks became the ideal tyre and soon his peers with this tyre selection pushed past. Nonetheless, Dougie was able to continue making steady progress, finishing 12th.
In the final race of the weekend, Dougie was classified in P15 in a very close fought mid-field that saw 12th to 16th places cross the line all within a few seconds.
Reflecting on Sunday’s action, Dougie said:
“It wasn’t the weekend we’ve hoped for, however I was able to tick the box of some points to improve on following the races. Thank you for all the support this weekend. On to the next one!”
Kokoro Performance’s Kieren Clack added:
“Results this weekend didn’t fully reflect the hard work and effort that Dougie has put in over the season so far. It was disappointing on Saturday to lose out on that overall podium, but it showed us that Dougie has the potential to be up there. Conditions meant that Sunday was tricky, but Dougie remained a strong midfield competitor.”
Overall, the weekend was positive for the 16-year-old. Despite the difficulties of Sunday, Dougie learnt a lot and determined points of improvement for the next round.
After a short break the championship will return to racing for Rounds 10, 11 and 12 at Oulton Park on 31 July – 01 August.
