Linus Granfors, Alisha Palmowski and Marcus Luzio were the top-three finishers in a scintillating first race of the weekend at Silverstone. Here's how each driver reacted at the end of the contest.
Winner, Linus Granfors, Fortec Motorsport:
"It was a good race, a lot of fighting to pass [Finn] Harrison, but then I got a little bit of a gap and then I saw that the other Elite passed him as well. Then I just started to push and try to set pole laps.
"The first time into Maggotts and Becketts, I then got a bad exit on to the straight and he got back past me again. I tried to do it the same again and then I got a better exit and I could pass him.
"It was a lot of fun, when I saw the other Elite start to catch up, I was just trying to not get passed and to pass Harrison as well."
Second, Alisha Palmowski, Elite Motorsport:
"Obviously starting on the second row of the grid, fourth place, a decent qualifying but obviously rainy conditions so a very different track in that race. The aim was the podium because I’ve been struggling a little bit with the car setup, I’ve had quite an oversteery car so I’ve been lacking confidence a bit, but full credit to Elite Motorsport, they’ve helped me so much in getting the car to where it is now, so much much happier with the car and raced my way to second position so good championship points.
"It was a crazy start to be honest, I had a good launch off the line and I was trying to get Leon [Wilson] into third position but I didn’t quite get there so I actually compromised myself on the entry towards Maggotts and Becketts and that allowed Harry [Burgoyne] to get past me. Going into Stowe, I didn’t expect to go for that move, but I locked up so I thought, I’ve got no choice now, I’ll just send it up the inside so I did and managed to make the move stick, quite a relief coming out of that bend, the heart rate definitely went up a bit, we kept the car in one piece there.
"Those first few laps, there wasn’t much difference to be honest [between GB4 and Ginetta Juniors]. It’s a great prize for the Ginetta Junior champion. Ginetta Juniors, full credit to them, its where I learnt all my car control, its really helped me get to grips with single seaters really quickly, a fantastic championship, great to learn and build a foundation as a driver as they move on further in their career."
Third, Marcus Luzio, Luzio.com
"It's absolutely amazing to be honest. We made the late decision to join GB4 this year and its just proved it really has paid off, getting podiums, especially from that far back on the grid. I was a bit disappointed in quali, to be eleventh, because we had good pace in practice, it was a bit disheartening because we’ve just showed that we have the pace to be at the front so we can just move on.
"It was a great battle with Finn Harrison, there were a few touch and go moments but yeah I’m still in shock to be honest. It’s a big lap to be side by side. We were side by side for a lot of it, and he raced really clean and fair which I have to thank him for. Getting the move by the end of it was really really good.
"I would like to thank my Dad for primarily getting me on the grid, running under the banner of Luzio.com. Being here is amazing, Max Marzorati for all his coaching this weekend and all the guys at Hillspeed for helping us out with loads of bits and bobs, it’s been amazing from everyone. And my Mum of course just for being around!"
