The new era of Formula Ford has begun with the first round of the 2022 Australian Formula Ford Series having taken place at Sandown International Raceway on the weekend.
 
An impressive entry list of 37 cars lined up for the season opener field as 28 fought it out for outright honours, while a further nine were in the Formula Ford 1600 (Kent) class.
 
With the category enjoying three close races over the course of the weekend, local teenager Jordyn Sinni ended the round on top of the standings after a strong pool of results.
 
Behind the wheel of the Spectrum 012 Formula, Sinni came ever so close to a perfect weekend after picking up pole position and winning the opening two races.


Both wins didn’t come easy for Sinni, however he managed to get the job done when required, beating Kye Cavedon by one second in the opening race before edging out series debutant Matthew Hillyer by six tenths in the second race.
 
Unfortunately, he was unable to make it three wins from three races after falling short to Cody Donald in the final race – less than four tenths of a second separating the duo at the chequered flag.

The race proved a mighty effort from Sinni, who dropped as low as a fifth at one point during the race, but managed to climb back up the field and secure second place. 
 
Donald’s thrilling race three win saw him leapfrog Hillyer for second place on the standings after the 16-year-old finished fourth in the final outing for the round, ending the weekend just three points behind Donald.
 

Despite there being plenty of drama happening behind him, the Victorian was thrilled to start the season off with the round win.
 
“It’s really good to start off on right foot especially after the all the hard work we put in during the off season,” Sinni said.

“Heading into the round, we had a lot of confidence in ourselves because we thought we showed pretty good pace during testing, had our heads up and backed ourselves. 

“It was a bit unlucky not to win that third race. Our pace was good but we became unstuck were on one of the corners and lost a few positions. 

“It was tough to get back, but we were a bit lucky to get to second after dropping down to fifth, but I am proud to have done it within three laps which helped keep our points. 

“Although it would have been nice to win all three, it didn’t matter in the scheme of things because it was still good to get race one and two wins and end the weekend on top. 

“I am really looking forward to the next round and because it’s such a strong and a competitive field, I just can’t wait for the rest of the season.”


In the Formula Ford 1600 (Kent) class, Richard Davison guided his Ellery Motorsport prepared Van Diemen RF95 to a clean sweep of wins over James Meaden, who finished each race in second place.
 
Click here to view the full meeting points from the weekend.
 
The next round of the 2022 Australian Formula Ford Series takes place as part of the first Shannons Motorsport Australia Championships event of the year at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit on 18-20 March.