Virtuosi Racing clinched a maiden British Formula 4 victory in only their second ever round of the series as Michael Shin led from lights to flag in Race 2 at Brands Hatch.
The Norfolk-based outfit had shown plenty of promise in the opening round at Donnington, as Edward Pearson took three points finishes from three races, while Shin only missed out on points in Race 1, before clinching an impressive P4 in Race 2.
Entering the second weekend with increased confidence, the team showed signs of pace in Qualifying. The positions may not have shown it, as Pearson finished P12 and Shin P10, but the team knew there was potential to move up the order.
Race 1
Lining up in P10 and P12, respectively, Michael Shin and Edward Pearson, enjoyed clean getaways in the opening race and began to climb up the order.
Making up a combined 10 positions in an overtake-laden performance, Michael finished the race in fifth, with Edward just two places further back in seventh, proving they had the pace to deliver this weekend.
Race 2
Starting from pole, South Korean racer Shin got a better jump off the line than fellow front-row starter Louis Sharp and held on to P1 at the first turn. Michael showed maturity and composure to hold off Sharp and his Carlin teammate Oliver Gray to clinch a landmark first victory, which was not only Virtuosi’s first in the series, but Michael’s first in single-seater racing.
"I was so in the moment with that drive, I still can't really believe I did it. I'm so happy," said Shin, who led from lights to flag. "I got into a really good rhythm. I already knew looking in the mirrors wasn't going to help. All I had to do was focus on what I needed to do to drive fast and I somehow managed to do that successfully."
Race 3
Despite enduring typically wretched British conditions, Shin and Pearson managed to make progress from P10 and P12 on the grid in the third and final race of the weekend. Both drivers struggled in the opening stint of the race, but were able to recover and find the pace to deliver a third strong finish of the weekend. Shin classifying P6, while Pearson battled up to P9. Shin is up to fifth in the drivers’ standings on 46 points, just two off fourth place, while Pearson is in ninth place. The third round of the FIA-Certified ROKIT British F4 Championship will take place at Thruxton Circuit 28-29 May.