Xcel Motorsport’s Patrick Heuzenroeder saw his 2025 GB3 title hopes take a heavy blow during the final race at Brands Hatch in August. The Australian had fought his way from ninth on the grid to seventh place, only to be nudged out of contention at Stirling’s with just a few laps remaining. With Alex Ninovic running down in 14th at the time, Heuzenroeder looked set to slash the championship deficit to just 60 points. Instead, the incident left him with a costly DNF and a 71-point gap to his rival.
“The DNF due to another driver’s mistake in race three was not the ideal way to end the weekend, and costly in terms of points lost,” the Zandvoort race winner summarised. “However, I had raced well up to that point, so that gives me confidence and motivation to score solid points at Donington, and capitalise if anyone else has the same misfortune I experienced at Brands [Hatch].”
Title on the line at Donington Park
Heuzenroeder’s performance could decide his championship chances this weekend at Donington Park. Ninovic holds the upper hand and could seal the title on Sunday if he outscores Heuzenroeder by 33 points. However, the Xcel driver holds a vital advantage in his experience at the circuit.
“I’m excited to get back at Donington GP, we had good pace there in the pre-season testing so it is definitely a circuit I enjoy. Having raced there last year I learnt a few tips and tricks, but we’ve all now been in these cars for long enough and done enough laps everyone has their heads around how to go about things.”
Building momentum from the start
The Australian knows that starting strongly will be critical if he is to mount a fightback in the standings.
“I think in these junior formulae when things are so close, it is really important to set your weekend up well from the beginning. That means having strong practice sessions, tweaking my driving and the car as needed, then finishing Friday feeling confident I can put it up the front on Saturday morning.”
Rivalry with respect
The GB3 championship battle has shaped into an all-Australian duel, with Gianmarco Pradel also in contention for third place. Heuzenroeder expects the fight to remain fiercely competitive but respectful.
“I really don’t think it will change the dynamic at all, Alex and I respect each other and get along, but once the helmet goes on it’s just another racing driver who you’re going up against and trying to beat. It’ll be good fun!”
Team and driver growing together
While Heuzenroeder enters his second full season in GB3, his Xcel team is tackling its first year in the championship. Together, they have delivered a string of results, including three podium finishes alongside victory in the Netherlands, establishing themselves as Ninovic’s strongest challengers.
“I have really enjoyed being part of Xcel in their first year of GB3. Developing and figuring this new car out has been very enjoyable, and despite some challenges I think we can all be proud of the effort and it is a skill I will be able to take into the rest of my career.”
“Of course, you never stop developing a car so hopefully we can keep finding time to challenge Rodin in the remaining two rounds.”
