|
Sims Proves Front-Running Credentials at Brands Test |
|
|
|
|
Tuesday, 03 July 2007 |
 Peterborough-based motor racing star Alexander Sims enjoyed one of his most promising test sessions of the year at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit today, the 19-year-old Formula Renault UK driver ending the day fourth fastest overall on combined times.
In something of a return to form for the Manor Competition ace, the multiple karting champion showed consistently rapid pace throughout the morning and afternoon test runs to end the day with a best lap of 44.855 seconds (96.19mph).
Placing him fourth fastest during the morning, just a 10th of a second
shy of the quickest lap of all and a mere five 100ths of a second away
from the top three, Alexander went on to set the fifth best lap during
the slower afternoon test with a time of 45.396 seconds (95.05mph) –
the second session affected by sporadic rainfall.
“We did a pretty good job today, most of the time during the test we
were between P1 and P3 so I’m really pleased with that”, said a
delighted Alexander following the day’s action at the 1.2-mile Kent
venue.
“Throughout the day we did a lot of good set-up work and definitely
made progress. It was a very productive test, very enjoyable, and I can
only see things getting better as the second half of the season gets
underway the weekend after next.
“The more track time we get with tests like this, the stronger I will
be and I’m confident we can take what we learned today forward to
ensure we’re in the fight for podiums for the rest of the year.”
One of just six drivers to lap under the 45-second barrier, Alexander
was also the second fastest of those eligible to score points in the
‘Graduate Cup’ battle so the former Stamford School pupil is taking a
great deal of confidence from such a positive showing.
Manor ace hopeful of strong run on French return this weekend
With just under a fortnight to go until the 11th and 12th rounds of the
Formula Renault UK season at Donington Park National Circuit in
Leicestershire on 14th/15th July, Alexander will still be in action
this weekend albeit in France for the seventh and eighth rounds of the
domestic Formula Renault Championship at the Val de Vienne Circuit.
Having already competed in two French Formula Renault race meetings
this year at Ledenon and Dijon, taking a best result of fifth place on
his debut, the Cambridgeshire driver has high hopes for his return to
Europe although this time it will be with his regular Manor Competition
squad rather than the Pole Services outfit he ran with previously.
Alexander, who is sponsored by Spalding-based J.O Sims, Ocean Spray,
Northern Fruit Company and Stemilt Growers, commented: “The weekend
should be good fun. We’re not quite sure what to expect, it’s a new
track to us, but it will be a fantastic learning experience and I’m
hopeful we’ll achieve some good results.
“It will be very tough as we only have an hour of testing before the
first qualifying session but we’re looking forward to it. I’m very
thankful to Manor for wanting to take part in the race, they’re
travelling straight from Brands Hatch this evening over to France to
prepare in time for the weekend. It’ll be hard work but we’re all
feeling very positive.”
Testing for rounds seven and eight of the French Formula Renault
Championship will take place on Friday, 6th July, at Val de Vienne
ahead of the race meeting itself on Saturday, 7th July, and Sunday, 8th
July.
|
News