2026 | GB4 Winter Series | Snetterton | Testing | Friday | Proudford-Nalder leads Phillips and Fernandez

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Douglas Motorsport’s George Proudford-Nalder completed a clean sweep of Friday testing at Snetterton, topping all four sessions in wet conditions ahead of the inaugural 2026 GB4 Winter Series. The Australian recorded a 2:06.393 during the opening session, maintaining his position at the top of the combined classification throughout the day.

Elite Motorsport’s Jesse Phillips finished second, 0.730s behind Proudford-Nalder, while R Racing’s Chase Fernandez completed the top three, just 0.054s further back. Harrison Mackie and Lewis Goff rounded out the leading five as the field completed its final preparations ahead of Saturday’s qualifying and opening two races.

Proudford-Nalder establishes early benchmark in wet conditions

Proudford-Nalder continued his impressive form from Thursday, when he topped three of the four sessions, by immediately setting the pace during Friday’s opening run.

The Australian, who secured three victories during his 2026 British F4 campaign, recorded a 2:06.393 to finish 1.066s ahead of Fernandez.

Phillips followed in third, 0.241s behind Fernandez, while Douglas Motorsport’s Conor Grant finished fourth, just 0.016s further back.

Meanwhile, Mackie secured fifth for Elite Motorsport, ahead of reigning Ginetta Junior champion Goff. John O’Donnell completed the leading seven, giving Elite three cars inside the top seven.

Fox Motorsport’s Robert Crawford finished eighth, followed by Fortec Motorsports’ Qarrar Firhand and Fox’s Archie Bullard.

Although the wet conditions produced considerably slower lap times than Thursday’s dry running, Proudford-Nalder demonstrated his ability to adapt and established a benchmark that nobody would surpass.

Phillips closes the gap during second session

Proudford-Nalder remained fastest during Friday’s second session, although his advantage decreased significantly as competitors gained experience in the worsening conditions.

The Douglas Motorsport driver produced a 2:07.376 to finish just 0.038s ahead of Phillips, who continued Elite Motorsport’s strong preparations.

Fernandez followed in third, 0.340s behind Proudford-Nalder, while Goff improved to fourth for KMR Sport. Firhand also delivered an encouraging performance, securing fifth after recording a time 1.802s slower than the session benchmark.

Mackie finished sixth, followed by Bullard and Grant. Meanwhile, Fortec tester Ben Smith claimed ninth, with Crawford completing the top ten.

Further rainfall contributed to slower lap times across the field, with Proudford-Nalder’s second-session benchmark almost one second slower than his opening effort.

Consequently, his 2:06.393 remained comfortably fastest in the combined classification, although Phillips and Fernandez continued demonstrating competitive pace.

Proudford-Nalder maintains advantage throughout afternoon

Proudford-Nalder extended his unbeaten Friday record by topping the third session, maintaining his advantage despite the challenging conditions.

However, Goff emerged as his closest challenger, securing second for KMR Sport ahead of Fernandez. Phillips followed in fourth, while Grant completed the leading five.

Mackie finished sixth, ahead of Crawford and Firhand. O’Donnell and Smith rounded out the session’s top ten.

The Australian then completed his clean sweep during the fourth and final session, once again setting the fastest time.

Nevertheless, his closest rivals improved their positions in the combined classification. Phillips recorded a 2:07.123 to finish second overall, reducing the gap to 0.730s.

Fernandez also improved late in the session, setting a 2:07.177 to secure third, just 0.054s behind Phillips.

Meanwhile, Mackie climbed to fourth with a 2:07.389, narrowly ahead of Goff, whose 2:07.439 placed him fifth overall.

Elite Motorsport shows encouraging pace behind Proudford-Nalder

Although Proudford-Nalder maintained a considerable advantage, Elite Motorsport demonstrated encouraging pace throughout Friday, securing second and fourth in the combined classification.

Phillips led the team’s challenge, with his late improvement moving him ahead of Fernandez. Mackie followed in fourth, finishing just 0.050s ahead of Goff.

Meanwhile, Grant placed sixth overall, 1.323s behind his Douglas Motorsport teammate. The Irishman finished ahead of O’Donnell, who completed the leading seven for Elite Motorsport with a deficit of 2.167s.

Both Grant and O’Donnell enter the Winter Series with previous GB4 podium experience. However, Friday’s conditions offered an important learning opportunity after the predominantly dry weather throughout the regular championship.

Pace Performance’s Alexander De Benedittis emerged as the fastest driver making his competitive car racing debut, securing eighth overall.

Firhand followed in ninth for Fortec, just 0.071s behind De Benedittis, while Bullard completed the combined top ten.

Field prepares for inaugural GB4 Winter Series qualifying

Crawford narrowly missed the top ten, finishing 11th for Fox Motorsport and just 0.058s behind teammate Bullard.

Pace Performance’s William Rohan followed in 12th, ahead of Fox’s Jasser Iskander and Fortec’s Smith. Meanwhile, Max Yuill finished 15th, leading KMR Sport’s Solenn Amrouche and Pace Performance’s Gianna Pascoal.

Toby Campbell completed Friday in 18th for KMR Sport, ahead of Nitrous Competitions ADM Racing teammates Archie Pearce and Jamie Leverton.

With two days of testing complete, the field will now turn its attention to the inaugural Winter Series races.

Saturday’s qualifying session begins at 10:10 local time, with Race 1 scheduled for 12:20 and Race 2 following at 15:20. The championship will repeat the format on Sunday, culminating in the crowning of the first GB4 Winter Champion.

Fans can follow the competitive action through the official GB4 Winter Series live timing and streaming platform.