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First Podium Of Season for Bratt at Rockingham |
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Tuesday, 24 April 2007 |
Formula Renault UK front-runner Will Bratt secured his first podium of the 2007 season at Rockingham International Super Sports Car Circuit today after making an outstanding start from the third row of the grid during the first of today’s two championship races.
After saying the start to rounds three and four would be critical to the outcome of his races during post-qualifying interviews yesterday, the 18-year-old Banbury driver made good on his word during the first of today’s two 16-lap encounters after moving from fifth on the grid to third position thanks to an electric getaway.
The Apotex Scorpio Motorsport star needed all his resolve and
determination to make the necessary gains however when seriously robust
defence from a slow-starting Riki Christodoulou saw Will edged onto the
grass on the run towards the banked Turn One.
Keeping his right foot planted firmly on the accelerator, Will ensured
the place would be his with some gutsy driving and after surviving an
overtaking attempt by Jeremy Metcalfe on lap two into the infield
hairpin at Tarzan, the Oxon ace went on to claim a deserved podium just
a couple of seconds shy of second-placed Dean Smith.
Unfortunately for Will and the Apotex Scorpio team, the delight of his
round three success was tempered during the second race of the day
when, on the opening lap, he was forced into retirement due to an
over-zealous passing attempt by Alexander Sims.
Pitting at the end of the lap with damage to the right-hand side of his
car, Will saw the opportunity of a potential top six result – having
started seventh on the grid – totally evaporate leaving team and driver
vexed at the loss of vital championship points.
“I suppose we can sum up the weekend by saying we were fast but very
frustrated”, said Will at the conclusion of the weekend, “We’re all
obviously delighted with the podium, the team gave me a good car and
although I was forced onto the grass at the start I was fully committed
into taking third place by the time we reached the first hairpin.
“Jeremy (Metcalfe) did try to pass me from a long way back on lap two
and I thought we may make contact but after that it was just a case of
lapping as consistently as possible and staying within reach of the
first two in case they made a mistake or had a problem.”
Will added: “It was a big disappointment to be forced out of the second
race as we really needed a couple of solid scores this weekend but the
thing to take away with us is that we know we’re quick and we’re not
all that far away from the ultimate pace.”
The fifth and sixth rounds of the 2007 Formula Renault UK Championship
will take place two weeks from now on 5th/6th May at Thruxton Circuit
in Hampshire.
Provisional 2007 Formula Renault UK Championship Standings (after Rds3&4)
1st Duncan Tappy, 128pts; 2nd Dean Smith, 104pts; 7th Will Bratt, 49pts
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