Hugh Barter stormed to a double pole position at Magny-Cours ahead of Dario Cabanelas and Elliot Vayron in French F4.

The Australian will start on pole position for Race 1 and Race 3 in the third round of the campaign after the infamous Pau Grand Prix.

Barter currently leads the championship with Souta Arao in second and has already taken three victories so far this season.

Barter likened the scenario at Magny-Cours to the opening round at Nogaro: “Basically it’s the same as Nogaro situation so starting from pole in both Race 1 and 3 the only difference is in Race 2 this tracks a lot easier to pass at so it’s going to be I think more important and more opportunities to pass at.

The 16-year-old is ready to move forward in Race 2 and taking full advantage of the double pole position in Race 1 and Race 3.

“So in Race 2 I’ll try and gain as many positions as I can but in the end the goal is the same, Race 1 and Race 3 is to win.”

The circuit is home to some iconic turns including the Adelaide hairpin which could see a lot of overtakes during the races.

The 2.741 mile circuit is very high speed and is home to the ultra quick Imola and Nurburgring chicanes.

Magny-Cours became an excellent proving ground for Barter in 2021 with the Australian taking four podiums at the former Formula 1 circuit.

He also won the final race of last season on his way to second in the championship behind Esteban Masson.

After a frantic opening to the French F4 championship the series will enter a lull over the summer with action resuming at Spa-Francorchamps on the 28-30 July.