Brazilian F4 was back on track this weekend at Interlagos. Championship leader Pedro Clerot took two race wins, extending his lead to 126 points. Nic Giaffone saw the chequered flag first in Race 2 becoming the third driver of the grid to win in Brazilian F4. F1 Feeder Series looks at the biggest three takeaways from the weekend.

By Maria Clara Castro

Pedro Clerot was in pole position for race 1 and 3 with Ricardo Gracia alongside him on the front row. The Full Time Sports teammates battled throughout qualifying, both improving their times lap by lap. What do Clerot and Gracia have in common? Their experience in Europe.

Clerot took part in Italian F4 preseason testing as well as in the championship’s second round at Misano. Gracia lives in Europe and races Spanish F4. The knowledge gained abroad indeed makes a difference when we see the drivers on track. The more contact they have on various race tracks with the new F4 car, the greater their improvement, which puts them on the spotlight.

But how much does an experience makes difference? Even though two Full Time Sports drivers were fighting for pole position, only Clerot claimed podiums. 

Happy tears after maiden win 

After a great drive, calculated moves, and thrilling battles, Nic Giaffone got his first win, making him the third driver of the grid to triumph in Brazilian F4. The Interlagos crowd was emotional during podium celebrations as Felipe Giaffone, Nic’s dad and Brazilian F1 commentator, presented Nic with the first place trophy.

To win in this temple of national motor racing is very special

Nic Giaffone continuing family traditions at Interlagos

“Having my grandfather and my father here was beyond special. My father has won open-wheel and truck races here, my grandfather won Stock Car in 1987, so to be one more Giaffone to win in this temple of national motor racing is very special. I know the tradition of my family and I am very happy to keep it,” expressed a very emotional Nic.

Cavaleiro Sports rises, Full Time Sports waivers

In Round 1 at Velocitta, Full Time Sports was in the spotlight for their domination performances over the weekend. At Interlagos, it was Cavaleiro Sports turn. The Yellow Army put their improvements down to the gains made during their hard work at testing sessions put on by Brazilian F4 organisers between the two rounds.

Drivers had the opportunity to test Velocitta, Interlagos, and Goiânia, three very different tracks. Velocitta has a mix of tricky corners, Goiânia is a high-speed circuit and Interlagos is a mix of everything. Cavaleiro Sports drivers had a better understanding of the car after mid-season testing and the improvement was crystal clear at Interlagos. Nic Giaffone came away two podiums, in race 1 and 2, as did Vinicius Tessaro in race 2 and 3. While Full Time Sports’ Pedro Clerot was on the podium for all three races his teammates were considerably further down the field.

Will Full Time Sports European-experienced racers bounce back this weekend or will Cavaleiro Sports yellow army dominate once again? Round 3 of Brazilian F4 returns to Interlagos, 5th – 7th August.

Header photo credit: Duda Bairros