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After racing in Italy in 2004, switching to the Formula Renault UK Championship last year presented a mix of challenges. Racing the same spec car was great, but I have to admit that it was a challenge learning all of the British circuits.
My first test with Mark Burdett Motorsport went well, all things considered, and I showed good pace in each pre-season outing. However, signing the contract to race so late with the team left little time for valuable track testing.
At least my knowledge of the Formula Renault car stood me in good stead, but despite showing good pace from the first round, being the sole team driver had its drawbacks. It is always so much easier when two drivers are sharing information for the overall team set-up.
Switching to Fortec Motorsport for the Winter Series helped immensely as did having that all-important team-mate to share data with, which benefited the whole team. Although the season didn't go according to plan results-wise, I gained invaluable knowledge of the British tracks, which will be vital as I focus on my future career.
For the 2006 season, I have moved to sportscar racing and the switch to the British GT Championship is already looking good. Despite very little track time before my first appearance with Team RPMís Porsche, I finished fourth in the opening two rounds at Oulton Park, placing the team third in the overall GTC class standings.
Those results led to a call-up to share another Porsche in the Britcar event at Snetterton, where I qualified fourth in class, and twelfth overall. In the race, I was up to third by the time I handed over to my team-mate, who finished fourth overall and second in class.
I'm really pleased with the move to British GTs as the cars are fun to drive although they are more physically demanding, as you are behind the wheel for anything up to a one-hour stint. The competition is proving just as close as single-seater racing, but you have to think a lot more about the way you actually drive. With races anything up to two hours, rather than 20 minutes, you have to nurse your tyres, brakes and engine throughout.
I’m revelling in this new challenge and, with a positive start to the season, I’m aiming for some podium finishes for Team RPM. |
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