JHR Developments’ Matthew Rees stepped up to the GB3 Championship this year off the back of his British F4 title success.
Remaining with his title winning team, he was initially the sole driver at the squad before being joined by James Hedley in the second half of the campaign. Rees showed all the talent that made him an F4 champion, standing on the podium in his first weekend in GB3 at Oulton Park, and claimed a terrific victory on the Brands Hatch GP circuit.
Here’s how the Welshman reviewed his season.
Best moment
It has to be winning (eventually) my first GB3 race at Brands Hatch GP, beating Luke. That success was a long time coming but felt great.
Toughest moment
Donington Park (May) - from a front row start to being in the gravel at turn two and not even completing a lap.
Favourite race of the year
Donington round three race three reverse grid race, gaining 15 places, with some pretty fun overtakes in a few non-traditional places.
Favourite driver to race against this year
It has to be Luke (Browning) - pitting yourself up against the best every round and knowing that you have to be your best to beat him.
That what if moment
Our inspired choice of slicks for the second race at Donington. The track was slippery, and we took a gamble that it would dry up. We were one of only four drivers I believe to make that choice. The first few laps were hairy, but as the wet runners started to struggle, I went for an overtake (I think on McKenzy Cresswell) at turn one and dipped a tyre off the dry line, meaning that I spun. Gutting as we could have been on for another potential win, which would have been just rewards for the effort that the team has put in this year. Maybe next time I will learn to be patient!
If I could race anything next year it would be…
FIA F3 would have been good, but I know we had some bad luck this year and a single driver team is always difficult, but I think we proved even without data we were a force to challenge the top. Realistically you need a good seat to prove your pedigree. Indy Pro would also be a good route, the car is fast and fun to drive. I think for now we have some unfinished business in GB3.
I'm going to spend my winter doing ...
I know that my mum would love me to say work on my A Levels of Business and Physics, but I think I will probably favour gym and sim work to make sure that I am 100% ready for whatever opportunities next year brings. Announcement will be in the next month.