Palmer wins Formula Four crown at Brands Hatch

Jordan Albert pipped Gaetano di Mauro on the final lap to take second place in the race with di Mauro settling for third. His countryman Enzo Bortoleto claimed fourth ahead of Fernando Urrutia and Zubair Hoque.

Connor Jupp led the first 13 laps but spun into retirement, while double-winner Rodrigo Fonseca saw his title charge end at Paddock Hill on lap one. Paul Sieljes was also a first lap retirement.

Palmer started from pole, but Connor Jupp alongside made the best start to lead on the run down to Paddock Hill Bend.

Further back there was drama as Palmer and Fonseca were caught up at the first turn, with Fonseca retiring and Palmer dropping to fourth.

Jupp was reveling in the conditions, and pulled out a huge margin, seemingly on course for his first single seater race win.

Palmer celebrates with runner-up Gaetano Di Mauro

But a spin at Graham Hill Bend on lap 13 while over six seconds in the lead ended his race and allowed Palmer into the lead, who had recovered from his opening lap dramas to pass Albert and then di Mauro.

The safety car was deployed and pitted on lap 16. Palmer then marched into the lead, taking the flag by 6.2 seconds from Albert, who capitalised on a last lap mistake from di Mauro to claim second place, with the Brazilian third.

Palmer celebrates

Palmer took the championship with 239 points, 34 clear of di Mauro, while Fonseca still claimed third despite his retirement.

For winning the championship, Palmer receives free entry to the main BRDC F4 season next year.

Start of the Victor Meldrew Challenge race

Di Mauro receives 50 percent off his entry fee, with Fonseca claiming 25 percent off.

Palmer joins brother Jolyon as a single seater champion this year, following Jolyon’s triumph in the GP2 Championship.

Barnaby Davies (69) beat Cliff Pellin (61) in the Victor Meldrew Challenge race

“This is fantastic,” said Palmer.

“It has been a very tricky weekend especially at the start but the team have done really well to come back from a tricky start and take the win. It was a surprise to take the race win.

James Britton won the MSVT Team Trophy race in his BMW M3

“I had a shocking start falling to fourth but the car was great and I passed Jordan and Gaetano.

“It was then a pleasant surprise to see Connor sideways - it was unfortunate for him but good for me.

“I then had to deal with the safety car and managed to get a good restart.

“The restart was about getting good drive out of the last corner, put my head down and see out the last few laps.”

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