Daniel Ticktum racing at Macau Grand Prix after serving 12-month ban for dangerous driving
British teenager is back having learned his lesson and hoping to move on after a racing incident at Silverstone at the 2015 MSA Formula series left astonished officials to described it as a “disturbing and dangerous episode”
Redemption is the last thing on most people’s minds when they first come to Macau given the nature of this city that seldom sleeps, but it forms part of Daniel Ticktum’s mission as the teenager makes his debut in the Formula Three Grand Prix this weekend.
At just 17, the British driver has already experienced the highs and the lows of motorsport: he emerged as one of the brightest young talents in Europe and then fell into some disgrace – and a 12-month ban – when the red mist descended in a race.
Ticktum overtook 10 cars and then crashed into championship rival Ricky Collard after the safety car was called out during the second-last round of 2015 MSA Formula series at Silverstone. Astonished members of the Motor Sports Association described it as “a disturbing and dangerous episode”.
Ticktum was slapped with a two-year-ban – 12 months suspended – and it was home to Sussex for a long think about things.
With the ban over since last month, and with some serious lap time secured at the end of the European F3 series in Hockenheim leading into his trip to Macau, Ticktum says it is very much a case of lesson learned.