Rowan Campbell-Pilling says he is “really looking forward to flying the flag for
Sheffield and Yorkshire this season,” and in just under a week he will make
his F4 debut at Donnington Park.
The 17-year-old was the first driver announced on the 2024 ROKiT British F4
grid back in November and his excitement to get going was clear, even then, as
he said: “I’m over the moon at the news… it’s been a dream of mine for a good
while now.”
Next weekend, those dreams will become reality as Campbell-Pilling will suit
up for the first race of the 2024 campaign at the track that is closest to home
for him.
Speaking to the Sheffield-born driver at his celebration event late last year, he
said: “I’m probably most excited for Donnington. It’s really close, so my family
will be there supporting me and I can’t wait.”
Following an incredibly successful karting career, it will be a moment that
marks the next step in his journey to reach Formula 1, as he makes the
important move to single seater racing.
His team, Argenti Motorsport, go into the first race weekend having impressed
in pre-season testing. Both Campbell-Pilling and his teammate, Mercedes
Junior F1 Driver Yuanpu Cui, registered sub 55 second lap times and claimed
the top spots on the time sheets.
It is obvious from this result that Campbell-Pilling has relished the challenge of
the move to single seaters. When I spoke to him back in November he told me
all about the contrast in the preparation process for karting and F4, “the
muscles used for karting and cars are very different… it is two very different
skill sets and adapting to F4 is hard, but Argenti are helping me get on top of
it.”
The rising star's performance at the iconic Silverstone track during official
testing was one to watch, as he completed 28 laps and found himself high on
the time sheets again, registering a 1.01.342s lap time.
After the session at the national circuit, the Yorkshireman said: “Our pace has
been strong and pre-season testing is proving really positive. We continue to
learn and grow as a team but it’s been a great start to have topped the timing
screens.”
Michael Meadows, who is the Argenti Motorsport Team Principal, says that “In
the short time working with him, we have already seen that he has a lot of
natural talent, potential and a real ambition to succeed. Helping our drivers
from karting to F4 is always an exciting prospect.”
That first race is within touching distance now and it is clear the debutant has
his focus set on Donington Park, as he said “I can’t wait to get started and
show everyone what I can do.”
Motorsport fans in Sheffield will be watching with great interest as Rowan
Campbell-Pilling embarks on this exciting journey. The opening race of the
2024 ROKiT British F4 Championship will take place on 27-28th April, and will be
broadcast live on ITV. You can keep up with all the latest updates on the official website here.
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