Ipswich driver leads Championship with strong performance

Rob Welham, 22, secured this position after strong performances at Cadwell Park and Silverstone International.

He had already achieved victories at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park earlier in the season.

Cadwell Park, known for its challenging circuit, marked the first visit for Welham and F1000 since 2019.

He qualified third and finished in second place in the first race, despite starting ninth in the reverse grid for the second race.

Rob Welham from Ipswich (Image: Sprite Photography)

He managed to climb to fourth place but was hindered by a prolonged safety car period.

In the third race, he started fourth and finished second, marking a successful weekend.

At Silverstone Circuit, Welham qualified third and led the first race until a collision with championship rival Craig Pollard forced him into the gravel.

He skilfully avoided the wall and finished in third place.

Starting eighth in the second race on a partially reversed grid, Welham made a remarkable start, climbing to third place on the opening lap.

He continued this pace and made a double overtake at the end of the Hangar Straight to seize the lead.

He maintained his lead for the rest of the race, securing his third win of the season and maintaining his narrow lead in the overall championship.

Rob Welham took a slender lead into the final two rounds of the 2024 F1000 (Image: Sprite Photography)

Welham said: “It’s been challenging over the last couple of meetings.

"It’s so competitive again this season in F1000.

"I am just focussing on performing well, taking it one race at a time and securing as many points as possible to give me the best chance.

"It was a great feeling to take a win at such a famous place like Silverstone, especially in front of some of my sponsors who were here supporting me."