Cape Town's Julian van der Watt F1600 champion

© Paul Bedford www.motorsportmedia.co.za

Van der Watt has now won 13 of the 14 races in the championship this year and is the first champion in the series' new wings and slicks era.

Says Van der Watt: "Hard work always pays off — we put everything into this title and it did not happen overnight — we were second for the last two Formula 1600 championships in a row and we did not give up, but it really has been worth it!”

Such was Van der Watt’s dominance in this year’s championship, that he clinched the title with three races yet to run. He was beaten once this season when he ended up second in that race.