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Metcalfe Relishing Donington GP Challenge |
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Wednesday, 06 September 2006 |
AKA Lemac ace Jeremy Metcalfe enjoyed a promising test at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit this afternoon ahead of the 15th and 16th rounds of the Formula Renault UK season which take place at the Leicestershire venue this weekend, 9th/10th September.
The 18-year-old, from Fleet in Hampshire, arrived at Donington in confident mood and at the end of the afternoon’s three-hour official test session Jeremy was rewarded with the fifth fastest time having posted a best lap of 1m 30.7 seconds (99.22mph).
Delighted with his pace on old tyres, the BillChaser-backed star couldn’t quite make the most of newer rubber after a slight mistake at McLeans Corner but he is certain a top four grid placing is most definitely achievable during Saturday’s qualifying session.
Acting as support at the weekend to the British round of the World Series by Renault, the Formula Renault UK Championship will unusually have just one 20-minute qualifying session to determine the grid for both of Sunday’s races. Therefore, it will be critical for Jeremy to be up to speed in order to post a minimum of two consistently fast laps.
Speaking at the conclusion of today’s test, Jeremy commented: “I’m very pleased with our performance this afternoon. We were fast on
old tyres, which was good, but I didn’t get the kind of lap I wanted on
new tyres as I messed up a little bit at McLeans.
“I’m confident the weekend will be good though. Qualifying will be a
bit weird as it’s different to normal with just one session covering
both races. It’ll be important to get some clear track and be up to
speed straight away but I’m sure we’ll make the most of it and qualify
strongly.
“The car felt very good today, especially on older rubber, but we know
there is still work to do if we want to challenge for podiums. I’m
looking forward to it though and hopefully we’ll score strongly to
remain in contention for the championship top three.”
More than 50,000 spectators are expected to attend Donington Park at
the weekend to watch the race action, undoubtedly the biggest crowd of
the season for the Formula Renault UK Championship.
Heading into the race meeting, Jeremy is fifth overall in the driver
standings – just 15 points adrift of the championship top three – and
also in contention for the Donington Park Racing Association Club
(DPRAC) Cup.
The latter will be awarded at the end of the weekend to the British
driver who was amassed the most points over the course of the four
Formula Renault UK races which will have been held at Donington Park
this year. Rounds 11 and 12, of course, were held on the 1.95-mile
National Circuit at the end of July.
Qualifying ahead of the 15th and 16th rounds of the Formula Renault UK
season will take place at 13.25 on Saturday, 9th September. Both races
will then be held on Sunday, 10th September, with round 15 starting at
10.00 and round 16 expected to begin at 16.00.
Formula Renault UK Championship Provisional Driver Standings (after rounds 13&14):
| Pos. |
Driver |
Points |
| 1st |
Patrick Hogan |
348 |
| 2nd |
Sebastian Hohenthal |
346 |
| 3rd |
Cheng Cong Fu |
254 |
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| 5th |
Jeremy Metcalfe |
239 |
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Last Updated ( Friday, 29 December 2006 )
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