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Rookie Sensation Sims Tops Thruxton Testing Times |
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Friday, 10 August 2007 |
Peterborough-based Formula Renault UK racer Alexander Sims continued his excellent progression in the world’s most competitive one-make junior single-seater category at Thruxton Circuit today, the 19-year-old concluding official testing at the Hampshire venue fastest overall with an outstanding performance.
Following on from his maiden category victory at Donington Park last month, the Manor Competition driver underlined the fact he is now centrally in the mix for more race wins before the end of the current season after posting an excellent lap of 1m 10.342 seconds (120.57mph) this afternoon to end the test over a 10th of a second clear.
During the first of the day’s two sessions, where the former Stamford
School pupil ran solely on old tyres, he lapped with a quickest time of
1m 10.830 seconds (119.72mph) to end the 45-minute period just four
10ths of a second shy of the top of the times. It was the afternoon
though, where he made the biggest impression on his fellow competitors.
Supported by Spalding-based J.O Sims, Ocean Spray and American sponsors
Northern Fruit Company and Stemilt Growers, Alexander’s ever-improving
pace comes in line with increasing confidence at the wheel of his
Manor-run Formula Renault UK car and he is firmly of the belief more
podiums and race wins are there for the taking this year.
“I’m pleased with today’s test and obviously delighted to be fastest”,
said Alexander, “We certainly made another step forward today, we
ironed out the problems and took forward what we’ve learned from recent
events to put us where we know we should be.
“In the first session several drivers at the front used new tyres but
we decided to only run new rubber in the afternoon. Our position at the
top of the times is genuine that’s for sure and we’ve definitely moved
forward from where we were at Thruxton earlier in the year.
He added: “I want to say a big thank you to the team for working very
hard as always and giving me a really good car today. To be so
competitive has certainly boosted our confidence ahead of the races at
Brands Hatch next weekend and I think we should be able to challenge
for the podium, and hopefully a win, if everything works out well.”
Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent will host the 15th and 16th rounds of
the 2007 Formula Renault UK Championship next weekend, 18th/19th
August, with pre-event testing at the 1.2-mile track scheduled for
Friday, 17th August.
Provisional 2007 Formula Renault UK Championship Standings (after Rd14)
1st Duncan Tappy, 393pts; 2nd Dean Smith, 382pts; 8th Alexander Sims, 162pts
Provisional 2007 Formula Renault UK Graduate Cup Standings (after Rd14)
4th Alexander Sims, 162pts
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