Hugh Barter comfortably leads the French F4 championship ahead of Souta Arao and explained that managing his points advantage to the Japanese driver isn’t his main worry.

The championship leader enjoys a 22-point cushion over Arao with Frenchman Alessandro Giusti in third place.

With three rounds to go after taking five wins including double victories at Nogaro and Magny-Cours.

The Australian said to InsideF2:“Managing the gap to Souta is not something I’m thinking of while I’m driving to be honest.

“I just need to win as much as I can and wherever Souta finishes is not something I can control so it’s up to him to try and finish as high as possible and up to me to score as many points as I can.”

Barter delivered two wins at the infamous Spa last time out but couldn’t score points as he previously raced there in the Spanish F4 championship.

Despite his advantage being cut slightly at the Belgian circuit the 16-year-old remains confident heading into Lédenon. He is also trying to avoid getting caught up in the emotion of the title battle.

He said: “After a good weekend at Spa and not being able to score points and losing a healthy championship lead I guess you could say I’m still definitely confident coming into this round. 

“I wouldn’t say any more confident than another round I think I just have to do what I do and not get carried away with being too cocky or overconfident and making mistakes.”

Lédenon is one the more demanding circuits on the French F4 calendar and keeping the minimum speed up is vital for lap time. 

Barter explained: “It’s one of the most technical circuits I’ve ever driven on also it’s one of the most physical tracks I’ve ever driven on. 

“I think it’s more so about keeping the minimum (speed) up whilst not pushing the entries too much especially the track is a really abrasive track so tyre deg is something to look out for.”