Will Burns signed off his title-winning campaign in the British GT Championship with a brilliant podium finish in the season finale at Donnington Park last weekend.
Burns and team-mate Gus Burton ended their superb campaign with no less than seven podium finishes behind the wheel of Century Motorsport’s all-conquering BMW M4 GT4, a tally almost unmatched in recent championship history.
The race didn’t start on a high note though with some mechanical issues across pre-event testing on Thursday, however, the team worked hard to find a solution and good progress was made through the two free practice sessions on Saturday.
They made a further step forward in qualifying with the drivers’ combined efforts placing them fourth on the GT4 class grid for the two hour finale.
Burns started the race behind the wheel and went on the offensive and a brilliant switchback move through the Esses set him up for a clean overtake for second position into the Melbourne hairpin just before the half hour mark.
He closed a gap of over three seconds to the class leader before grabbing the advantage, moving into the lead at the same circuit they previously took a class win at during the championship’s first visit in July.
Unfortunately their hopes of replicating that achievement were hit heavily by having to serve a 20 seconds pitstop success penalty after winning the last round at Oulton Park, meaning Burton emerged from their mandatory pitstop in third.
And he remained a comfortable third through to the chequered flag, finishing off a brilliant season for the new British GT4 champions.
“I’m glad we managed to wrap up the title with a weekend to spare, as this was one of our tougher events of the season and it would have been very nervy otherwise," said Burns.
"The team did a great job getting the car ready for qualifying and we got ourselves a strong starting position.
“It was quite a tactical race. With the track drying as the race developed, you had to choose what the right tyres were to go on and then try to push to gain places, but also make sure the tyres didn’t overheat. We seemed to get a good strategy together.
“Considering we had the maximum pitstop success penalty again, we’re very happy to get another podium finish. It’s a great way to end a special season, and I want to say a huge thank you to Century Motorsport and my sponsors for making it all possible.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here