Deagen Fairclough celebrated a memorable home victory after overcoming Martin Molnar in an intense fight for the lead during the opening 2026 GB3 Championship race at Silverstone.
The Hitech driver reclaimed first place with a bold move at Vale before controlling the closing laps to secure his second win of the season. Molnar finished second for Rodin Motorsport, while Xcel Motorsport’s Rowan Campbell-Pilling completed the podium.
The result gave each driver reason for encouragement as the championship began its second half at the Home of British Motorsport.
Fairclough celebrates a special home victory at Silverstone
Fairclough started from his maiden GB3 pole position and retained the lead through the opening stages. However, an early Safety Car erased his advantage and brought Molnar back into contention.
Molnar passed Fairclough at Brooklands after the restart, but the Briton responded less than a lap later with a decisive move at Vale. He then managed his advantage and crossed the line 0.758s clear.
“Yeah, it’s a mega feeling. Love Silverstone, it’s so good and it’s nice to have a little bit of a battle as well with Molnar then. But yeah, hopefully that’s good points in the championship, which I’m really pleased and car felt really good. So thank you, massive thank you to the team.”
The victory rewarded Hitech’s strong pace throughout the weekend and allowed Fairclough to capitalise on his double pole position.
Different wing levels shape 2026 GB3 Race 1 lead battle at Silverstone
Molnar repeatedly challenged Fairclough on Silverstone’s straights, while the Hitech driver held an advantage through the corners.
The contrasting aerodynamic configurations created an entertaining contest as Molnar used his straight-line speed to take the lead before Fairclough fought back through the final sector.
“Yeah, I mean, he’s on the lower wing and we’re on the higher wing, so on the straights he had us and in the corners we were able to get a good run out of turn seven and have a good move into the chicane.”
Fairclough’s success also gave him a positive start to the second half of a campaign that had previously brought several setbacks and six retirements.
“Yeah, exactly. It’s the second half and hopefully the second half is less unfortunate and we can have a good one.”
Fairclough will now aim to build momentum throughout the remaining British rounds and convert Hitech’s pace into further victories.
Molnar takes encouragement from victory fight
Although Molnar missed out on his maiden GB3 win, he took confidence from his ability to challenge Fairclough throughout the race.
The Rodin driver remained close after losing the lead and secured another valuable podium finish. He also strengthened his championship position with second place.
“Yeah, it was really good. Yeah, at least I could challenge Deagen for the win a little bit. I said that I made a mistake, which took the lead out of my hands, but yeah, great move for him. Yeah, it was a great race and the pace was really strong, so I’m looking forward for tomorrow.”
Molnar felt that his performance confirmed his potential to claim a first victory. Therefore, he will approach the remaining Silverstone races with renewed confidence.
“Yeah, really good points. It’s definitely a good race for the championship. I really wanted to have that first win. It was close, but I’ll give it a go tomorrow.”
The Hungarian also backed his pace to give him another opportunity during the rest of the weekend.
“I would like to think so,” he said when asked if Saturday could hold a race victory. “The pace was really good, so I’ll give it my best.”
Campbell-Pilling enjoys full podium experience with P3 in 2026 GB3 Silverstone Race 1
Campbell-Pilling joined the fight at the front and briefly passed Molnar for second before the Rodin driver reclaimed the position at Brooklands.
Nevertheless, third place gave Campbell-Pilling another podium result during his rookie GB3 campaign. It also allowed him to enjoy a full podium ceremony after circumstances prevented him from experiencing one following his result at the Hungaroring.
“Really good. You know, we didn’t get to fully experience the podium at Hungary. We’ve got the silverware, but we didn’t get to go and experience it. So it’s going to be a good time up on the podium and we look forward to it.”
The Sheffield driver also enjoyed returning to British soil after the championship’s rounds in Belgium, Hungary and Austria.
“For sure. It’s great to be back on home soil after our few away trips with GB3, but great to great to be back on the podium here. And the team have done an awesome job. The car was great. And yeah, we’re coming along nicely together.”
Xcel showed strong pace from the beginning of the Silverstone weekend, and Campbell-Pilling believes the team can now turn that speed into more consistent results.
“For sure. I mean, you’re always learning, right? And for me, this is my first year in GB3, so it’s a case of learning, enjoying it as much as possible, but maximise the learning. Maximise the learning. And I think that’s what we’re doing this weekend. You know, we’ve been strong since the get-go and now it’s time to really consolidate on the strong pace we’ve had and get some results.”
Fairclough, Molnar and Campbell-Pilling will all enter the remaining Silverstone races with confidence after combining strong pace with a closely fought opening contest.
