|
[Formula BMW, UK] Patrizi scores more points on tough Thruxton weekend |
|
|
|
|
Monday, 05 June 2006 |
Patrizi scores more points on tough Thruxton weekend
Michael Patrizi has added to his championship points tally in the 2006 Formula BMW UK Championship on a trying weekend for the young Australian at the fast Thruxton circuit.
Patrizi only managed ninth and 14th in qualifying for the two races, but an engine change improved the speed of his car for Sunday’s races. The first race got off to a good start as Patrizi again showed that he has perfected his launch technique, racing up to the front bunch on the first lap. Some positions were lost however when another competitor checked up in front of the West Australian, leaving Patrizi to battle with Ross Curnow for eighth for the rest of the race, a position he would win.
Race 2 saw Patrizi have to start from well back, but undeterred, he worked his way up in the opening stages. While this was again a sign of his pace early in the race on cold tyres, the car’s set-up was also the best it had been all weekend in the second race, with all signs looking good when Patrizi was again able to join the front runners, with a fleet of cars all fighting for second place.
Despite the cracking pace it wasn’t to be for Patrizi, as another competitor did not see Patrizi as he went to pass entering the chicane and came across in front of him. The move pushed him across the kerbing and damaged the car, severely affecting the car handling and eventually resulting in a rear tyre bursting. Patrizi lost a lap while pitting for a new tyre and was further hampered by a drive-through penalty for speeding in pitlane, ending the race in 19th.
Michael Patrizi:
|
News