Ayrton Simmons is looking to lay down an early marker at Oulton Park this weekend by claiming pole position, as he bids to extend his lead at the top of the British F4 Championship.

The Epping racer remained at the top of the leaderboard last time out at Thruxton having picked up a trio of podium finishes, which included a superb drive in race one which saw him cross the line in second place having started way down the grid in twelfth due to a penalty.

Having finished in third in race two, the Epping racer would then fend off Patrik Pasma and Dennis Hauger to secure second position in an action-packed final race at Thruxton, ensuring the 17-year-old bounced back in style from a disappointing showing at Donington Park in round two.

But the JHR Developments driver hasn’t been able to return to the top-step of the podium since picking up two wins at Brands Hatch at the opening round of the season, something Simmons is hoping to change this weekend.

He said: “Brands Hatch was what I described back then as a perfect weekend. We had a bit of a disappointing round at Donnington as we struggled in the wet but we still finished second in one of the races. Leading the Championship has been really good so far, so fingers crossed it carries on throughout the rest of the season.

“I think getting another pole this year would be nice, especially at Oulton Park which is such a race driver track. It’s so hard and so bumpy and it’s such a hard, physical track. For me, the best drivers stand out at that track.

“Getting a pole position there would be key as it’s really hard to overtake round there, similarly to Brands Hatch. Pole position for race one and three would be the key to winning two races for sure.

“As a whole, I just want to carry on as we have been working so far. It’s been such a pleasure working with the JHR guys and there’s a really nice, positive energy around the team. I just want to carry that on and win some races, as I haven’t won since Brands Hatch, so it would be good to be back on the top step.”

Simmons, who harbours hopes of racing alongside the likes of Lewis Hamilton in Formula One in the future, is aiming to win the British F4 title this year, having finished in seventh place last season with Team Arden.

The Epping racer has switched to JHR Developments for this season, a decision that has already proven to be fruitful, and the 17-year-old is enjoying life with his new team.

He said: “We’ve clicked for sure. We showed that straight away at the first meeting by winning two races and coming second on the reverse grid and the double pole as well. We work so well and we definitely work as a team. Not just me, but my teammates as well.

“The team are so desperate to win and they will do anything to win and I think that ends up with me pushing a bit more to try and satisfy them. I think it’s just that will to win that both me and the team have. It’s been fantastic working with JHR so far and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.”