2. ello. I am Hugh Barter, a 15-
year-old Australian-Japanese
single seater racer. I have
been racing since I was 5 and
my dream is to be an F1 champion.
I have moved to France to race in the
French Formula 4 championship since
February 2021. Due to the lock down
caused by the COVID-19 Pandemic, I
haven’t been able to visit many places in
France except race tracks for testing. I go
to FFSA academy from Monday to Friday.
Majority of my day is studying with
Australian on-line school in the morning
and Physical or sim training in the
afternoon.
I have been learning French for 3 years,
but I am still not good enough to
communicate well because French
people speaks very fast. However, I am
learning little by little new words and
expression.
Since moving to France, I have tested
for 2 days each at Paul-Ricard, Ledenon
and Nogaro circuit in South France.
These tests were very important for me
to learn the tracks and the new driving
style of the F4.
My passion is Motor racing and I would
like to share my passion as well as my
emotion with other people. My future is
long way to go, but I will keep going until
achieving my goal.
Please follow my progress and journey
as I establish my motor racing career. I
hope you enjoy the Hugh Barter racing
race report.
N O T E
F R O M T H E
R A C E R
3. HUGH’S RACING
S C H E D U L E S
2021 FIA FRENCH FORMULA 4 CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1 03 – 05 April, Nogaro Circuit, France
Round 2 07 – 09 May, Magny-Cours, France
Round 3 09 – 11 July, Hungaroring, Hungary
Round 4 27 – 29 Aug, Ledenon, France
Round 5 24 – 26 Sep Monza, Italy
Round 6 01 – 03 Oct, Paul-Ricard, France
Round 7 22 – 24 Oct, Magny-Cours, France
T
E
A
M
FOLLOW
ME
INSTAGRAM
@hughbarterracing
Facebook
@hughbarterracing
Twitter
@Hugh Barter
WEBSITE
www.hughbarterracing.com
4. Richard Mille
Young Talent Academy
he Richard Mille Young Talent
Academy (RMYTA) was held on 11th
,
12th
and 13th
October 2020. This
completely free training and talent
detection program awarded the 2020 winner
with a full season of 2021 French Formula 4
Championship with All Road Management.
Hugh was selected as an Australia and New
Zealand representative and one of 10 drivers
from 4 continents to attend the RMYTA
according to his potential on and off-track
presentation. He met others on the famous
Bugatti circuit at Le Mans, and for two days,
was evaluated their physical and mental
capacities as well as their driving skills in FIA F4
Mygale Renault single-seaters.
Despite a 2020 sporting season that has been
disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic, the third
season of the RMYTA was able to take place in
good conditions in Le Mans.
Hugh is very appreciating that the RMYTA
which are organized by Richard Mille, Birel ART,
All Road Management, Formula Medicine,
desire to support the young karting hopefuls in
their move to cars, in this difficult
circumstance. And special thanking to FFSA
Academy for your help to organise French visa
under the such a difficult situation. Not only
organizer but also Hugh is thankful
organisation, business and people that help
him get attend this shootouts program in
France. It wouldn’t be possible to go over there
under this COVID- 19 circumstance without all
your support.
5. he training center of the French Federation of Motor Sport, the FFSA Academy,
prepares for a multitude of professions: pilot, mechanic, piloting instructor from
all over the world. FFSA Academy is based in Le Mans, France and organise the
French F4 Championship.
The French F4 Championship is run with the French car manufacture Mygale and Renault
engine manufacture that meet the latest safety and performance standards in line with the
FIA F4 specifications. This championship has
seen many famous drivers today racing
internationally. Unique of its kind, combining
financial accessibility and sporting equality, the
French F4 Championship continues its
momentum with the FIA F4. The French F4
championship started in April 2021 and will take
place in 7 rounds total 21 races a year in France
and couple of racing circuit in other European
countries.
Hugh attended two four-day conferences
through a two-week period from 16th
of March
at the Bugatti circuit in Le Mans and learnt
driving and engineering skills for the Formula car
as well as mental, physical and nutritious aspect
for driving. Hugh met his race engineer ‘Malo”
and his mechanic ‘Enzo’. Malo is a very good
engineer and has got extensive knowledge for
formula cars. Enzo is very detailed with his work
and always puts in the extra hours.
Hugh goes to FFSA Academy from 9am to 4pm and Monday to Friday. He studies school
work in the morning and goes gym for physical training in the afternoon. FFSA academy have
been equipped with high level and professional training machinery and a 3D motion
simulator designed for single seater driver. Hugh attends simulator training (3 or 6 hours)
once a week to hone his driving skills but also keeps his driving sense until the next race.
6. rriving in Paris, France on 27th
of February,
there was no time for being a tourist and
adjusting his jet lag. Hugh’s Formula 4
testing started with R-ace GP.
Hugh’s first F4 testing was 2 days at Paul-Ricard
circuit at Le Castellet. Paul-Ricard circuit was on the
top of hill with a beautiful Port town is beneath. First
day, he had engine issues only allowing him to
complete 2 sessions. Second day, he progressed a lot,
however his braking technic was something to work
on and improve.
The second Circuit he tested on was at Ledenon.
Testing at Ledenon didn’t go smooth due to the fact
of noise restriction, mixed car condition, multiple red
flags, etc, therefore he struggled to run clear
consecutive laps. However, it was good to learn the
circuit and improve his braking technic.
His 3rd
and final test was at Nogaro with the FFSA
crew. Hugh was quite quick within the 12 racers from
the beginning and was fastest at the end of the first
day. Second day Hugh put on new set of tyres on and
his lap time was 0.3 seconds faster than the qualifying
time of last year. Rest of the day, he tried to learn
how to conserve tyre and manage.
Then Hugh attended testing at Bugatti circuit, Le
Mans for 1 day out of the 2 conferecnce. Hugh
struggled to change driving style from Nogaro and
started to troble wearing the fronts. He needed to
learn tyre management and different style of braking
and acceleration technics.
Through the 8 days of testing gave him more
confidence in the car and taught him different
technics going into the first round of the
championship.
7. ound 1 of the French F4
Championship was held at Circuit
Paul Armagnac at Nogaro, France
on the 2-5 of April 2021.
DAY 1 - Starting day with sun and chilling
air. On the first day, the unofficial practice
was held, and Hugh had 5 practice sessions
from 8 am till 6 pm.
First practice 8am - Hugh was the third
fastest on track, however he was 0.8 second
off from the fastest lap time and it was a
huge difference. His tyres were used at the
previous testing at Bugatti circuit two weeks
ago and they were heavily worn (no holes)
due to mechanical issues. He struggled to
drive with understeer due to the fact of no
grip at front and mixed rubber conditions
with GT racing series meeting held at the
same time. After Hugh gave feedback to the
race engineer and mechanic, they swapped
to old but newer tyre for safety reasons.
Second practice 10:15am - Hugh put the
third fastest lap down on lap 4 which was
0.15 seconds off from the fastest lap and
tried to attack again however a red flag
made the session come to an end.
Third practice 12:05pm - Hugh put new
tyres on for this practice with the majority of
others. Hugh and his race engineer discussed
and changed some front settings (stiffer front
roll bar) after practice 2. Despite of
expectation Hugh was 0.6 seconds off from
the fastest and was 6th fastest. Hugh
struggled for grip. After feedback to the
engineer, Hugh wasn’t pushing enough to the
limit.
Fourth practice 14:35pm – the result wasn’t
going well. His car was drifting, understeer
and sliding. Hugh and his Race Engineer went
through the individual corners and analysed
his driving. They decided to change front roll
bar stiffer as well as his driving which was
braking points and accelerating technic.
Fifth practice 17:40pm - Hugh was little
confused from the previous sessions debrief.
Due to the fact of changing track conditions,
new tyre condition and grip condition from
third and fourth practices, he was suggested
to change the way of his driving. He had to
digest what was suggested and perform on
the track. At the end of day, he was the third
fastest once again.
FIA FRENCH
F4 CHAMPIONSHIP
Round 1: Nogaro
8. DAY 2 – Sunny day, but 2 degrees in the morning. In
the previous official practice day, Hugh could show
good performance in used tyre conditions, however as
soon as using new tyres Hugh struggled with pace
accumulating grip issues. Improving his lap time was
only changing his driving. The team hoped Hugh
would be able to adapt. (braking and acceleration
point and technic) and perform well in the morning
session before qualifying.
Morning official practice - Hugh studied the track and memorized the driving changes the night before
after coming back to the hotel. Hugh was quite calm and relaxed. As of a result, Hugh was the fastest out
on track and got back his confidence towards qualifying. (This official practice determined qualifying
starting position)
Qualifying practice - The circuit was similar in conditions of yesterday’s 5th practice. The circuit was
heated up during day time around 2pm, then started cool down around 4pm. The Nogaro circuit has
two long straights and track position is very important to get slip-stream for qualifying.
Hugh’s start position was Pole and other competitors would follow him, which meant the competitors
behind him would be able to get slip-steam easily. Hugh went out track and soon after he slowed down
and let couple of competitors pass him. His strategy was chasing fast competitors from the behind and
tried to get slip stream. However, at the last sector of possibility of his best lap, he caught up towards a
slower competitor and had to slow down. He could not stretch the time after that. At the end he
qualified 2nd.
Circuit Paul Armagnac
9. AY 3 - Race 1 was held in the morning and race 2 was held in the
afternoon. The couple of days before the race weekend, the
weather forecast said it would rain on Sunday, but unlucky enough
there was no rain and instead a beautiful sunny spring day.
Race 1 - Hugh’s very first race in the Formula 4 car. His starting position was
second. He was confident to finish in the top 3. However, his start was poor
and immediately lost 2 positions. He tried to catch the front group and pass
but all of three in front of him ran similar lap times and could not pass. He
crossed the line 4th
position. Through data analysing and debriefing after the
race with engineer, Hugh held clutch too long and caused the clutch to spin.
Race 2 - it was reverse grid for top 10 finish. His starting position was 7th. His
start was better than race 1, but still needed to improvement. After starting
7th, he was 8th position for couple of laps. Hugh caught the competitors in
front of him. After a couple of times attempting to pass, he finally passed. It
was challenge for him to do it despite of his good pace. The competitor won
the race 1 was behind him and tried to pass Hugh. Hugh held him behind for
couple of laps but was passed by him. Then one of competitor in front group
had an incident and had to be retired, so Hugh crossed the line in 7th.
As the results of race 1 & 2, Hugh’s weak points were starting and passing.
He had to study these for race 3 the next day. Hugh did a lot of image
training of starting after coming back to the hotel before sleeping.
DAY 4 - Race 3 was held. Hugh really wanted to win the race. To achieve this,
he needed to start the race perfectly.
Race 3 - Since arriving at that track, Hugh focused on his image training. He
was very calm and relaxed. His start was good and pole sitter stalled his car.
Hugh lead the entire race. The competitor behind Hugh constantly gave him
huge pressure. But Hugh made sure to make no mistakes and focused on
having a exit of coming on the back straight making it difficult to pass. Hugh
and the fellow competitor were around 0.6 seconds apart throughout the
race until he finally came across the line to take the win.
Through the race weekend, Hugh learnt so many things to race. Aggression,
tyre management, passing and starting. Hugh was training with the simulator
a lot, but these things only can learn from real racing circumstances. Hugh
was very satisfied that he could progress his ability to be competitive through
racing. Now Hugh’s FIA French F4 championship standing points are 43
points.
In two weeks, Hugh will have one day testing at Magny-Cours circuit where
the second round of the French F4 championship is held on 7 - 9 May.
DRIVE
to
PERFECTI
ON
11. nyone whose come into contact with Hugh Barter will
realise this little dynamo represents a unique opportunity
for companies and global brands.
Hugh has been racing for last 8 years and just started open wheel
race from 2021 and trains every day on his simulator with a view
to improving his race results at every event. He is technically very
strong and continually hones his race craft in the knowledge that
winning World championship means self-discipline, commitment,
hard work, dedication and persistence. Hugh is completely
focused on his goal to reach the top level and succeed.
Hugh’s talent, enthusiasm and results in racing have not gone
unnoticed. Being coached by one of top kart drivers, Hugh’s great
temperament and infectious personality has attracted private
sponsorship and over 200 thousand Facebook followers.
But to win championship he need help and support, so is
currently seeking sponsorship and financial support from
business, corporate and multinational companies to form long
term relationship.
For more info on Hugh contact:
hugh@hughbarterracing.com
SPONSORSHIP
12. GOODLIFE
HEALTH CLUB
TRYDEL – UP & GO
TELSTRA
CAM BOX - MECA Amato-Design
888 PROPERTY GROUP
Carroll Goldsmith Lawyers
BELL HELMET
ALL ROAD MANAGEMENT Richard Mille
Young Talent Academy
F R O M
T H E R A C E R
A very special thanks to my sponsors that keep me
going around the truck and chasing my dream.
13. ISSUE TWO: Race report - FIA French F4 Championship
Round 2 at Magny-Cours
HBR
