Conor Grant heads into Saturday at Brands Hatch with renewed confidence after setting the fastest time across Friday’s four 2026 GB4 testing sessions. The Douglas Motorsport driver produced a 45.020s lap during the opening session on the Indy circuit, and nobody managed to better his benchmark as temperatures increased throughout the day.
The performance continued a promising run for the 19-year-old, who also showed competitive pace during GB4’s recent in-season test on the Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit. With Qualifying now at the centre of his attention, Grant believes he has the speed to challenge at the front as he continues his pursuit of a maiden GB4 victory.
Grant hopes to carry 2026 GB4 Brands Hatch Friday momentum into Qualifying
Grant immediately found his rhythm despite entering Friday without any previous experience of the shorter Brands Hatch Indy circuit. He adapted quickly to the layout and established the fastest lap of the day during the opening session, giving him an encouraging platform ahead of Saturday’s Qualifying session.
Although the drivers will compete on the longer Grand Prix layout for the remainder of the weekend, Grant believes Friday’s performance still provided useful preparation for the challenge ahead.
“We were quick on the bit that we do drive tomorrow, so hopefully we can use the momentum that we have now,” he said to GB4 after testing.
Grant’s ability to produce competitive pace almost immediately also gave him further encouragement. With Qualifying offering little time for drivers to build towards their ultimate pace, he believes his strong start on Friday could prove particularly important when the competitive action begins.
“The car worked well today,” he said. “It showed that we could get in and get going quickly, which will be key in Qualifying tomorrow. Whoever can get the middle sector right fastest is going to top the Qualifying, it’s as simple as that.”
Previous Brands Hatch test strengthens Grant’s confidence
Friday did not mark Grant’s first strong showing at Brands Hatch this month. Earlier in September, the Irishman also impressed during the in-season test on the Grand Prix circuit, where he finished fourth-fastest in the overall classification.
Furthermore, Grant ended the second session of that test in second place. Consequently, his performance on Friday added to the confidence he had already built around the longer configuration ahead of the season finale.
“The testing a couple of weeks ago was really positive,” he said. “I’m really confident in the car and think this could be a very positive weekend for us, and I’m really hungry for that first win.”
Grant has already come close to securing that breakthrough during his rookie GB4 campaign. However, the top step has remained out of reach heading into the final weekend of the season. As a result, converting his recent testing pace into a strong Qualifying result has become his immediate priority.
Maiden GB4 victory remains Grant’s primary target
With only the Brands Hatch season finale remaining, Grant has made no secret of his desire to end his campaign with a victory. His performances across both Brands Hatch tests have reinforced his belief that Douglas Motorsport possesses the pace required to fight at the front.
Nevertheless, Grant recognises that Qualifying could determine whether he can turn that potential into a maiden win. With track position particularly important and small margins separating the field, he views Saturday’s session as a crucial part of his weekend.
“I’d be lying if I didn’t say that it was all I had been thinking about leading up to this weekend,” he continued. “I really do believe that we have the speed, we just have to get Qualifying right tomorrow, that’s the big one.”
Friday’s result has given Grant another reason for optimism. Although testing pace does not guarantee success once competitive running begins, he enters Saturday knowing he has already demonstrated strong speed around both configurations of the Kent circuit this month.
Therefore, rather than lowering his expectations ahead of the final Qualifying session of the season, Grant remains focused on putting himself in contention for victory.
“Anything is possible,” he said. “The speed is definitely there, so I’m confident that we will be there to fight for the wins.”
