With the 2025 GB4 Championship fast approaching, February was the first of two crucial months of preparation leading to the start of the season. Moving up from the Ginetta Junior Championship, Holly has been putting in the laps to familiarise herself with the Tatuus MSV GB4-025. This is a brand-new car for both her and her team, as it debuts in GB4. The transition has been significant, bringing new challenges and valuable lessons as she refines her skills ahead of the opening round in April.
Track Time: Donington and Silverstone
Testing kicked off at Donington Park on 20th February, where Holly faced wet conditions throughout the day. The Leicestershire circuit is well-known for its sweeping curves and elevation changes, demanding precision and confidence, especially in the wet. Despite the challenging weather, Holly made the most of the session, focusing on car control and tyre management with wet-weather tyres.
A week later, Holly headed to Silverstone for two days of testing on the iconic Grand Prix circuit – her personal favourite. The first day started off wet, but by the afternoon, she had her first opportunity to run on slick tyres. Day two brought freezing fog which delayed the morning session, but once conditions improved, she was back on track and delivering competitive lap times. It was really encouraging to see her holding her own against the drivers returning from last season.
Silverstone, known as the “Home of British Motorsport,” is one of the most historic and demanding circuits in the world. Its fast, sweeping corners, such as Maggots and Becketts, test a driver’s precision and ability to carry speed through high-speed sections. Having the opportunity to test at such an iconic venue provided Holly with valuable experience in managing tyre performance and car balance at high speeds.
Key Learnings: Tyres, Car Setup, and Racecraft
One of the biggest adjustments for Holly has been mastering GB4’s tyre warm-up procedure. Unlike Formula 1, GB4 drivers are not permitted to use tyre blankets, meaning they must bring the tyres up to optimal temperature through a controlled warm-up phase. This can be challenging with the cold English weather at this time of the year. During the warm-up it’s critical not to over stress the tyres. Learning how to manage this process effectively is another step forward in Holly’s development as a driver.
The car itself has also presented a steep learning curve. The Tatuus MSV GB4-025 is a newly introduced chassis for the 2025 season, featuring a Mountune 2.0-litre engine that delivers impressive performance. Compared to the Ginetta Junior car, it offers significantly more aerodynamic design too. Fine-tuning the car’s setup has been an ongoing process, including adjustments by MSV themselves as this is a brand new car that they’re also fine tuning before the season starts.
Before the racing begins, MSV (Motorsport Vision) will scrutinise all the cars to ensure they are within the rules and regulations of the competition, ensuring fairness across the grid. MSV is one of the leading motorsport organisations in the UK, owning and operating some of the country’s most iconic circuits, including Brands Hatch, Donington Park, and Oulton Park. They are responsible for running the GB4 Championship, ensuring regulations are upheld and that the competition remains fair and competitive.
Looking Ahead: Final Preparations in March
With February’s test sessions complete, March brings the final opportunity to refine race pace before the first round of the GB4 Championship. Holly’s next stops include Oulton Park on 11th and 12th March, followed by the official GB4 Media Day at Donington Park on 19th and 20th March. Testing concludes with a final session at Silverstone on 24th and 25th March – one last chance to dial in the car before racing gets underway.
As the countdown to the season opener continues, Holly is making encouraging progress, gaining confidence with every session. With her sharp focus and growing experience in the GB4 car, she is determined to hit the ground running when the lights go out in April.
Stay tuned for more updates as Holly takes on her biggest challenge yet in the GB4 Championship!
Big thanks yous …
Go out to the team, Fox Motorsport, and my sponsors: Gridfit, H&V Insulation, OJM Insulations, Digiphore and Danielle Simpson.