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Erstwhile Formula Renault BARC Championship leader Menasheh Idafar produced
one of his customary pace-setting performances during testing at Oulton Park
International Circuit earlier today, Friday, 16th May.
The 17-year-old British-born Bahraini racer, who is second in the title
race ahead of the fifth round of the season at the Cheshire venue’s shorter
Island Circuit just over a week from now, lapped the International configuration
in a time of 1m 37.7 seconds this afternoon to emerge fastest after three of the
day’s four sessions.
An unfortunate water leak on his Hillspeed car prevented Menasheh from
running during the final test period and this enabled rival Nathan Coulter to
lap a shade faster – by a 10th of a second to be precise – but it was largely
due to improved track conditions and the fact he was utilising new tyres.
Taking all that into consideration, Menasheh is feeling very confident
ahead of round five and has no doubts at all his Hillspeed squad will once again
provide him with a strong car in both qualifying and race trim.
“I’m really looking forward to the next race at Oulton Park, especially
after today’s test went so well”, commented the Gulfol, Ortolan and Gulf
Computer Services backed driver, “Although we were on the full International
track today, it was still very good practice and I’m really pleased with the
pace we showed again.
“The car was perfect during the three sessions we were on track. It was a
shame we had the small water leak but these things happen sometimes. It would be
great to qualify on the front row when we return to Oulton Park a week on Monday
but if we can start the race inside the top four, I’m confident we’ll be able to
challenge strongly for the podium.”
Travelling back to his home in Bahrain this evening, Menasheh will return
to the UK next weekend in readiness for round five of the 2008 Formula Renault
BARC Championship at Oulton Park. Taking place on Spring Bank Holiday Monday,
26th May, qualifying is timetabled to start at 10.25 with the 12-lap race
scheduled to get underway at 14.40.
Provisional 2008 Formula Renault BARC Championship Standings (after
Rd4)
1st Ollie Hancock, 48pts; 2nd Menasheh Idafar,
42pts; 3rd Johannes Siedlitz, 32pts
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