Source – Sportstar.thehindu.com
After effortlessly separating himself from the field, the Australian-Japanese driver took first place on the podium in Race 1. One of his “favorite tracks” is the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit, where he finds racing to be thrilling.
Hugh Barter is quickly becoming a name synonymous with excellence on the racetrack, his journey a testament to raw talent and relentless determination. The 18-year-old Australian-Japanese driver has taken the Formula 4 Indian Championship (F4IC) by storm, showcasing not only his speed but also his strategic prowess that has left competitors in his wake.
Barter’s recent performance at the Chennai Formula Racing Circuit was nothing short of spectacular. In Race 1, he effortlessly pulled away from the pack, securing a dominant victory that solidified his position as a top contender in the championship. The thrill of racing on the Chennai track was palpable in his post-race comments, as he expressed a deep affinity for the circuit’s unique blend of high, low, and medium-speed sections. “I love the track. It’s really cool. It’s got a mixture of high, low and medium speed. Driving at such a tight section at the back where it’s so fast is really exhilarating,” said Barter, clearly invigorated by the challenge the circuit presented.
Driving for Godspeed Kochi, Barter’s decision to compete in India this season stemmed from more than just the desire to win. Having last raced in the 2023 Formula 3 Championship with Campos Racing, Barter saw the opportunity to race in India as a way to broaden his horizons and gain invaluable seat time. “I thought that it was an opportunity to come to India, experience the culture and what it’s like,” he reflected. “Any seat time is good seat time, so I’m just putting it in my toolbox and maybe I can take that back home in Europe.”
Barter’s journey to this point has been a whirlwind. Starting in karting, he quickly ascended the motorsport ranks, earning recognition after winning the Richard Mille Young Talent Academy shootout in 2020. The following year, he transitioned to Formula 4, competing in both the Spanish and French championships. His talent was undeniable as he finished runner-up in the French F4 Championship in 2021 and 2022, as well as in the 2022 F4 Spanish Championship.
His impressive skills were on full display during the first round of the Indian Racing Festival (IRF) at the Madras International Circuit (MIC) in August. In one of the most thrilling races of the event, Barter found himself starting from the back of the grid. Yet, in a dazzling display of overtaking mastery, he moved from 15th to 1st place in just 15 minutes, eventually winning the race by an astonishing 18-second margin. This performance not only secured him a victory but also saw him break several records, including the second-highest win margin, winning from the lowest starting position, and setting the fastest lap time.
Despite a setback in Qualifying for Race 2, where a crash forced him to start at the back of the field, Barter’s determination remained unshaken. Describing the crash as “a rookie mistake,” he nevertheless put on a show of skill and tenacity, overtaking six competitors in the first lap alone. Although he narrowly missed the podium, finishing in the Top 5, his performance only reinforced his status as the driver to beat in the championship.
As the F4IC season progresses, with three more rounds remaining, Barter is in prime position to clinch the Drivers’ Championship and earn crucial FIA Super License points. His sights, however, are set far beyond the current season. With ambitions of making it to Formula 1, Barter’s plan is clear. “I did F3 last year, so the aim is to go back into that, prove my worth, and go to F2,” he explained, his determination evident. The young driver is eager to follow in the footsteps of fellow Australian drivers who have made it to the F1 circuit, hoping to reach the pinnacle of motorsport as soon as possible.
Hugh Barter’s journey is one of incredible talent, unwavering ambition, and a drive to succeed that is propelling him closer to his ultimate goal—Formula 1 glory. As he continues to dominate the tracks in India, the motorsport world watches with bated breath, eager to see where this rising star will go next.
