The 2026 GB4 Championship pre-season reached a dramatic phase at Silverstone, where changing weather conditions and a record-breaking grid tested both driver skill and team adaptability. Across two intense days at the home of the British Grand Prix, Thomas Ingram Hill emerged as the standout performer, leading the timesheets on both occasions.
Meanwhile, consistent pressure from Luke Hilton and a competitive chasing pack ensured the battle remained closely fought. As a result, the Silverstone test offered a crucial insight into form ahead of the season opener.
2026 GB4: Silverstone Test: Day 1: Ingram Hill sets the standard
Ingram Hill wasted no time asserting control, setting a benchmark lap of 2m01.050s during the second of three sessions. Consequently, he finished over a quarter of a second clear of Hilton, who secured second place for Nitrous Competitions ADM Racing.
Behind them, Alex O’Grady claimed third for KMR Sport, maintaining his consistent pre-season presence near the front.
Although Fred Green topped the final session, his earlier effort placed him fourth overall. He finished just ahead of teammate Franek Cegielski, while Enzo Hallman and Jason Smyth completed the top seven. Notably, Smyth stood out as the only driver in the top ten to improve his time in the final session.
Further down, Joshua McLean placed eighth, followed by Connor Willis and Lily Watkins, who matched the time of Dayton Coulthard.
Importantly, the session featured 30 drivers, making it the busiest test day in GB4 history.
Record grid and new entrants
The expanded field also welcomed new participants. Scorpio Motorsport joined the action with Archie Davies and Romuald Bocquet, while Idola Motorsport fielded an additional car for Brazilian driver Alexandre Louza. Therefore, the depth of the grid continued to grow as the season approached.
Day 1 Standings (Top 10)
- Thomas Ingram Hill – 2m01.050s
- Luke Hilton +0.251s
- Alex O’Grady +0.421s
- Fred Green +0.632s
- Franek Cegielski +0.795s
- Enzo Hallman +0.823s
- Jason Smyth +1.213s
- Joshua McLean +1.247s
- Connor Willis +1.354s
- Lily Watkins +1.421s
2026 GB4: Silverstone Test: Day 2: Ingram Hill stays on top despite harsh weather
On day two, Ingram Hill once again proved untouchable. He set a best lap of 2m01.194s in the opening session, when track conditions remained at their most favourable.
However, the remainder of the day unfolded under severe wintry weather. Hail, sleet, and snow repeatedly disrupted sessions, limiting meaningful running and challenging drivers’ consistency.
Despite these difficulties, Hilton secured second place once more, reinforcing his strong pre-season form. Meanwhile, Smyth climbed to third, building on his previous day’s momentum.
Tight margins in difficult conditions
Green led the Elite Motorsport charge in fourth, narrowly ahead of O’Grady, who managed to top the second session despite worsening conditions.
Next, Hallman finished sixth, followed by Matan Achituv. Coulthard, who topped the final session in difficult weather, secured eighth overall thanks to his earlier lap.
Finally, Torrin Byrne and Cegielski completed the top ten. Once again, the margins remained tight despite the challenging environment.
Day 2 Standings (Top 10)
- Thomas Ingram Hill – 2m01.194s
- Luke Hilton +0.278s
- Jason Smyth +0.771s
- Fred Green +0.898s
- Alex O’Grady +0.940s
- Enzo Hallman +1.131s
- Matan Achituv +1.218s
- Dayton Coulthard +1.372s
- Torrin Byrne +1.439s
- Franek Cegielski +1.587s
Momentum builds towards the season
With 30 drivers taking part and conditions testing every aspect of performance, the Silverstone test provided a valuable benchmark. Crucially, Ingram Hill’s double success positions him as a leading contender heading into the season.
At the same time, Hilton’s consistency and the close competition throughout the field suggest that the championship battle remains wide open.
