German Formula 4 – Strong end to Aberdein’s F4 season

South Africa’s German ADAC Formula 4 rookie Jonathan Aberdein ended his German ADAC Formula 4 rookie season on a positive note with a strong sixth in the second heat, which put a positive spin on an otherwise trying weekend at the Hockenheim finale.

“The second race was brilliant,” Jonathan explained after starting 17th and finishing sixth in a shortened race. “The track was damp and I made good use of the four race laps we had between all the safety car periods to climb to 6th. “I am really happy with my progress in damp conditions through the year – I achieved two of my best results in the wet, which is a big step forward for us.”

The balance for Jonathan’s Hockenheim weekend was difficult to say the least, after a turbocharger problem ruined his qualifying to see him start 21st after showing good pace in free practice. Aberdein nonetheless fought back up to 15th in race one before contact with another car resulted in rear suspension damage, which caused him to drop back to finish 23rd.

His qualifying issues also affected the final race grid, where he started 23rd before making his way up the field, only to be struck from behind and suffer a puncture. Jonathan pitted to change a tyre and rejoined to end 27th. He ended up 14th in the overall championship standings and a handy sixth in the Rookie rankings.

“My rookie year has been a very good one,” Aberdein concluded. “We have made good progress, learned so much and built a strong foundation for my single-seater career. “Now I can’t wait for the UAE winter series and for what we have planned for next year – watch this space for news on that in the next few months.”

Jonathan now heads to the Gulf for the Formula 4 UAE championships over 18 races and six rounds starting at the Yas Marina Grand Prix circuit in Abu Dhabi 28-29 October and ending back there in March 2017.