Ninovic leads 2025 title battle as GB3 head to Hungaroring for Round 4

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The GB3 Championship, partnered by the BRDC, heads to the Hungaroring this weekend for Round 4 of the 2025 season. The series makes its second-ever visit to the Hungarian Grand Prix venue, with the title fight finely balanced and several contenders aiming to assert themselves before the mid-season point.

Ninovic leads the Australian charge with Heuzenroeder close behind

Rodin Motorsport’s Alex Ninovic sets the standard heading into Hungary. He remains the only driver on the grid with multiple wins, having triumphed at Zandvoort and Spa-Francorchamps. Two pole positions highlight his one-lap pace and confirm his status as a qualifying specialist.

Although Ninovic leads the standings by eight points, he could have extended that advantage further. Damage at Silverstone and a loose wheel at Spa forced two retirements, costing him valuable results. Even so, his consistency and speed make him the benchmark once again.

Close behind, fellow Australian Patrick Heuzenroeder continues to impress. Driving for Xcel Motorsport, he scored a maiden GB3 victory at Zandvoort and added podium finishes at Silverstone and Zandvoort. His Spa performance, charging from 22nd to 4th in only 11 laps, underlined his overtaking ability. As a result, he arrives in Hungary as Ninovic’s closest challenger.

Fairclough in pursuit

Deagen Fairclough of Hitech TGR remains firmly in contention despite a turbulent campaign. The reigning British F4 champion has started near the back in six of the nine races so far due to setbacks, yet he has gained an extraordinary 83 places in total. His determination and racecraft keep him only 32 points away from Ninovic. If he enjoys a clean weekend, he will pose a major threat to the leaders.

Lisle and Macintyre remain in the hunt as Pradel shows qualifying strength

JHR’s Noah Lisle continues to build momentum with consistent results. Two podium finishes at Silverstone and a series of top-eight results place him just five points behind Fairclough.

Will Macintyre of Elite Motorsport cannot be discounted either. He led the GB3 standings during the series’ first visit to Hungary last year and already has a Silverstone win in 2025. His experience on the Budapest circuit strengthens his credentials.

Rodin Motorsport’s Gianmarco Pradel ranks second only to Ninovic in average qualifying position. Although misfortune has restricted his race results, he has still secured two podiums this season. His qualifying pace suggests that a first victory is within reach.

Rising challengers aim to build on recent form

Several drivers arrive in Hungary with momentum. Reza Seewooruthun of Argenti with Prema secured a maiden podium at Spa. Hugo Schwarze of VRD Racing broke through with a first win at Zandvoort and added another podium at Spa. Hitech TGR’s Keanu Al Azhari has already led laps this year and claimed a podium at Zandvoort, while JHR’s Kai Daryanani continues to show strong pace in his debut season.

Mercedes junior Yuanpu Cui (Argenti with Prema) continues to progress, and Abbi Pulling (Rodin Motorsport) targets a recovery after early promise at Silverstone. Jack Sherwood (Xcel Motorsport) claimed his best finish so far at Spa, while Elite Motorsport’s Flynn Jackes and Bianca Bustamante round out a competitive entry.

Weekend schedule

Track action begins on Thursday with two 30-minute test sessions at 09.00 and 13.51. Friday brings two 45-minute free practice sessions at 11.36 and 16.59. On Saturday, the two-part qualifying session starts at 10.50, with Race 1 at 17.20. On Sunday, Race 2 begins at 11.05 before the reverse-grid Race 3 concludes the weekend at 17.40.

Anticipation for Hungary

With Ninovic and Heuzenroeder leading the Australian charge, Fairclough in close pursuit, and Lisle, Macintyre, and Pradel all capable of winning, the Hungaroring promises a dramatic Round 4. The circuit’s tight and technical layout will make overtaking difficult, placing even greater importance on qualifying. Every lap will count as the battle for the GB3 Championship intensifies.