Elite Motorsport’s Emmilio Valentino Del Grosso has made an encouraging start to his first GB4 campaign after stepping up from Ginetta Juniors to single-seater racing. The 16-year-old Venezuelan has reached the podium at both events so far. He finished second during the Silverstone season opener before adding third place in the final race at Oulton Park.
Del Grosso started that race from third and held his position despite intense pressure within a tightly packed battle for the final podium places. He also set the fastest lap, further underlining his growing confidence in a slicks-and-wings car.
Del Grosso holds firm in a crowded podium battle
Del Grosso began the reverse-grid race from the second row and immediately placed himself in contention for another strong result. Although Josh McLean and Dayton Coulthard occupied the leading positions, a large train formed behind them. Del Grosso remained at the front of that group and repeatedly pressured Coulthard for second place.
“We started third, and we kept our place at the front. We tried to get Coulthard [in second] at the end and did the fastest lap by four tenths, so we were really quick. The pace was there,” he noted, while speaking to GB4.
Ultimately, Del Grosso crossed the line only 0.258s behind Coulthard. Meanwhile, Connor Willis finished just 0.253s behind the Elite Motorsport driver, which highlighted the intensity of the fight around the final podium position.
Fastest lap demonstrates his rapid adaptation
More importantly, Del Grosso viewed the result as further evidence of his progress since moving into single-seaters. His transition from Ginetta Juniors has required him to adapt to greater aerodynamic grip, slick tyres and a different approach to extracting performance. Nevertheless, he has quickly established himself as a podium contender.
“Oulton Park showed that we can really make progress, and I’m really proud of that, especially after working from qualifying 10th to Race 3 and getting the fastest lap by a few tenths.
“It really means a lot to me, especially for my development. So I’m really confident heading to Donington Park.”
Del Grosso had previously qualified 10th before the top-12 reversal placed him third on the grid for Race 3. From there, he converted the opportunity into his second podium of the season.
Venezuelan conditions prepare Del Grosso for the heat
In addition to his improving pace, Del Grosso believes the hot conditions suit him.
Oulton Park hosted the championship during unusually high temperatures, which changed the behaviour of the car and placed greater demands on both the drivers and tyres. However, the Venezuelan felt comfortable in the heat because of the climate he grew up around.
“It’s always hot in Venezuela, even if it rains, it’s still hot! So for me I feel in my natural habitat, and it really suits me. The car behaves completely differently in these conditions, but I’m able to fight and be really quick.”
Therefore, another warm weekend at Donington Park could give Del Grosso additional confidence as he continues his first season in GB4.
