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One of the key front-running drives in Formula Renault UK has become
available today following the confirmation by leading team Hillspeed its 2007
Winter Champion Richard Singleton has been head-hunted to compete in European
competition in 2008.
Although a deal to remain with Hillspeed for a crack at the 2008 Formula
Renault UK title had already been agreed and announced several weeks ago, the
Welshman was subsequently offered a chance to compete in Europe where he will
dovetail campaigns in Formula Renault Eurocup and the new Western European
Championship (WEC).
With official pre-season testing still a fortnight away, Hathersage-based
Hillspeed does have the opportunity to fill its potentially race-winning and
championship challenging drive well ahead of the opening race meeting of the
season on 29th/30th March as it seeks a similarly experienced Formula Renault UK
campaigner to partner Alex Morgan.
Obviously disappointed to see Singleton leave the Hillspeed ranks, team
principal Richard Ollerenshaw never had any intention of standing in the way of
the youngster’s chance to move into Europe as the lead driver for the Hitech
Junior team.
“We’re very disappointed Richard will not be racing for Hillspeed this
year, particularly as we had every confidence we would be able to continue the
winning relationship we developed during the latter part of 2007, culminating of
course in our successful pursuit of the 2007 Formula Renault UK Winter
Championship title”, said Ollerenshaw.
“There’s a lot of hard work ahead now to sort out a deal for another driver
to partner Alex (Morgan) during the 2008 season but at least we have a couple of
weeks in hand before official pre-season testing starts. Although this does
obviously affect our plans to expand to three cars in Formula Renault UK, we’re
still confident this is an achievable aim.”
Ollerenshaw added: “I would like to use this opportunity to wish Richard
and his family well for the year ahead, there are no hard feelings at all. He’s
been offered an incredible deal, one the like of which doesn’t come around very
often at all.”
With a number of drivers still to confirm deals for the 2008 season,
Hillspeed would like to hear from any experienced runners who have the budget in
place to secure one of Formula Renault UK’s plum race seats. Interested drivers
are invited to contact Richard Ollerenshaw on 01433 650400 or 07966
650400.
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