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Sunday 5 October 2008
Ellis Returns to FIA GT3 European Podium at Nogaro
Bradley Ellis put on a fantastic demonstration of the driving skills that helped him to clinch the 2007 British GT Championship with a return to the FIA GT3 European podium at Nogaro, France, on Sunday 5 October. The Croydon ace scythed his way through from 20th to finish third and clinch his first podium finish since double victory at Monza in May, which made up for the narrowly-missed podium on Saturday where the Matech Ford GT finished fourth. Ellis’ consistent form has closed the gap to the championship leaders with Ellis in third on 35 points and just two rounds remaining at Dubai in December.
Following extensive further equalisation measures to the Matech Ford GT last time out at Brno, the #21 car was inflicted with an additional 10 kilos of penalty ballast for Nogaro. This gave Ellis and teammate Alex Mortimer (Stoneleigh, Warwickshire) an extra challenge on top of facing the twisty French circuit for the first time.
Ellis got a good start from third for round nine to maintain position at turn one but the Ford GT was again victim to first lap contact, this time from the #1 Corvette of Arnaud Peyroles (FRA). Although pushed wide on to the dirty track, Ellis managed to hang on but the rub lost him vital time, allowing leader Thomas Accary (FRA) in the Aston Martin and Luca Pirri (ITA) in the sister Ford GT to pull clear.
Once Ellis had cleaned-up his tyres, the 21 year-old got his head down to pull in the leading pair, edging away from Peyroles in the process. Thanks to some impressive lap times, Ellis closed on second-placed Pirri and could have challenged for position when he was held up by a Morgan while passing traffic.
Continuing to post lightening times, Ellis clawed back the gap to the sister Ford GT when Pirri pit promoting Ellis to second, presenting the Croydon British GT Champion with the opportunity to post a series of further flying times to maximise the advantage. Traffic continued to play a part on the narrow circuit, helping Accary to increase his lead to nine seconds. But armed with a clear track, Ellis was able to cut into his advantage by half a second a lap before Accary pitted. Now leading the field, Ellis pushed hard before making for the pits to handover to Mortimer after 35 minutes, having set the fastest Ford GT lap time and the second fastest lap of the race.
Ellis’ efforts undoubtedly helped teammate Mortimer to join the fray in second place, having leapfrogged the #19 Ford GT during the pitstops. However, Mortimer found himself in the thick of the battle for the podium positions and, while getting up to speed, relinquished second to James Ruffier (FRA), now in the #1 Corvette.
As the final 10-minute marker approached Mortimer was lying fourth, after Juergen von Gartzen (GER) slipped past for third, while thick smoke began to pour out of the #1 Corvette’s exhaust. Ruffier retired with just under five minutes to go, promoting Mortimer back into a podium point scoring position. But, already suffering on worn tyres, Mortimer had to deal with the oil dropped by the smoking Corvette, leaving him defenceless to the advances of Dino Lunardi (FRA). Sensibly opting for points, Mortimer allowed the Ferrari past with less than two minutes to go.
Despite just missing out on a podium finish, Ellis and Mortimer salvaged vital championship points where the front runners did not. However, the #8 Aston Martin’s victory propelled Accary and Pierre-Brice Mena (FRA) to third in the championship with Ellis one point behind in fourth and Mortimer fifth.
With nothing to loose starting 20th on the grid, Mortimer got a good start for round 10 on Sunday and managed to avoid the mid-field melee by taking to the grass to salvage his start position. A gear shift selection problem hampered his progress but Mortimer was able to rectify the problem during the safety car period around 20 minutes into the race. After a solid stint Mortimer pitted to handover to Ellis just before the halfway mark.
Joining the battle in 20th place, Ellis wasted no time in cutting through the field and in an impressive display of driving sliced his way up to 10th place with 15 minutes to go. Setting blistering times and on a charge, Ellis proceeded to take the #37 Corvette and David Ashburn (GBR) in the Porsche 997 to sit seventh with five minutes remaining.
As the race entered the closing stages, Ellis joined the fierce multi-car battle for the final podium position. Undeterred, he carved his way through the train; passing the #10 Aston Martin driven by Jean-Claude Lagniez (FRA) and Accary’s Aston Martin while also contending with traffic.
As the final laps approached, Ellis was up to fifth behind Jaromir Jirik (CZE) and the #19 Ford GT with the three cars running bumper-to-bumper in the raging battle for third place. Ellis continued to pressurise the Porsche and Ford GT when Pirri made a move on Jirik just a few corners from the finishing line on the final lap. With both cars running wide, Ellis kept his cool to calmly capture third position and continued his faultless drive to the chequered flag after taking 17 places to return to the FIA GT3 European podium.
Delighted with the result, Ellis commented: “We did a fantastic job here today and my thanks go to the Matech team. It was great to storm back from 20th to clinch the podium finish, especially after we just missed out yesterday. Alex drove a great stint today and did well to drive around the gear shift problem. I really enjoyed carving my way back through the field and I am delighted to be back on the podium. We are still in with a shot at the championship title so now we will be completely focussed on the final rounds in Dubai where we have to score maximum points. I’m looking forward to it.”
The stunning performance from the young Brit reinstated his third position in the championship on 35 points, level with Accary and Mena, with Mortimer fourth on 33. Peyroles and Ruffier lead the FIA GT3 European driver standings on 44 points with Ian Khan (GBR) and Thomas Mutsch (GER) in second on 36 as the premier series heads for Dubai in December. With 20 points available in the final two rounds, it’s guaranteed to be a gripping championship conclusion and Ellis remains in the thick of it.
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FIA GT3 European Championship, Nogaro, France
Round nine - Provisional Race Results
1 – 8 – Accary/Mena – Aston Martin DBRS9 – 38 laps
2 – 19 – Pirri/von Gartzen – Ford GT - +6.646 seconds
3 – 13 – Petit/Lunardi – Ferrari F430 GT3 - +21.284
4 – 21 - Ellis/Mortimer – Ford GT - +22.098
5 – 29 – Lesoudier/Scheier – Morgan Aero 8 - +27.319
6 – 28 – Vannelet/Sourd – Corvette Z06R GT3 - +34.411
7 – 9 – Rodrigues/Rodrigues – Aston Martin DBRS9 - +40.638
8 – 36 – Loix/Lemeret – Porsche 997 GT3 Cup S - +40.916
9 – 17 – Ciro/Zani – Aston Martin DBRS9 - +42.378
10 – 38 – Matzke/Skula – Corvette Z06R GT3 - +53.273
FIA GT3 European Championship, Nogaro, France
Round 10 - Provisional Race Results
1 – 1 – Ruffier/Peyroles – Corvette Z06R GT3 – 38 laps
2 – 29 – Scheier/Lesoudier – Morgan Aero 8 GT3 - +27.318 seconds
3 – 21 – Mortimer/Ellis – Ford GT - +31.450
4 – 8 – Mena/Accary – Aston Martin DBRS9 - +32.424
5 – 19 – von Gartzen/Pirri – Ford GT - +33.928
6 – 40 – Vosse/Jirik – Porsche 997 GT3 Cup S - +34.826
7 – 5 – Balbiani/Ricci – Ferrari F430 GT3 - +36.525
8 – 10 – Makowiecki/Lagniez – Aston Martin DBRS9 – +40.762
9 – 6 – Williams/Ashburn – Porsche 997 GT3 Cup S - +54.135
10 – 37 – Lacko/Vojtech – Corvette Z06R GT3 - +56.379
For full race results, points and further information on the FIA GT3 European Championship, visit www.fiagt3.com
Sunday 14 September 2008
Ellis Holds FIA GT3 European Championship Position at Brno
Reigning British GT champion Bradley Ellis, from Croydon, maintained his third position in the FIA GT3 European Championship standings despite enduring another testing race weekend, at Brno circuit in the Czech Republic on 13&14 September. Once again the Matech Ford GT was the victim of a first lap incident in round seven that put teammate Alex Mortimer out of the running, but the duo fought back to finish seventh and collect two valuable championship points in round eight.
Although the Matech Ford GT’s penalty ballast was reduced by 40kilos to 100kilos for Brno, the car was subject to further restrictions including a smaller rear wing, a 45mm air restrictor and an exhaust silencer. The combined affect of the increased measures quenched the horsepower by 60bhp around the undulating Czech Republic circuit, which meant drastic set up changes were required to the #21 Ford GT.
Mortimer qualified fifth in the first session on Saturday but was one of several drivers penalised for setting a fast sector time on a yellow flag lap during practice on Friday, resulting in a grid drop to eighth. Regardless, Mortimer made a good start for round seven before Ettore Bonaldi (ITA) backed his Ascari into the rear of the Ford GT at turn two, punting Mortimer off the track and into the gravel trap, ending his race on the opening lap.
With the rear-end damage repaired, thanks to a great job by the Matech crew, Ellis started 10th for round eight on Sunday but an incident at the first corner forced the 21 year-old to take avoiding action, dropping him down to 12th. The resulting safety car period lasted one lap before racing resumed, allowing Ellis to get to grips with the task of regaining positions.
Although suffering from a dramatic loss in straight line speed, Ellis took three places and picked up a further spot to pit from eighth position and handover to Mortimer with just over 25 minutes to go. The #38 Corvette retired in the latter stages, rewarding Mortimer with seventh place after a solid stint.
“After a difficult weekend at Oschersleben back in July, where Alex was taken out of the lead at the first corner in race one and we had brake failure in race two, we needed to score points here,” said Ellis. “It was really unfortunate that Alex innocently ended up in the gravel trap at turn two so it was important to survive the first lap today. The balance of the car was okay but the lack of power due to the restrictions meant that we were getting out-dragged by even the slower cars. We were still fairly quick through the corners but it was impossible to get near anyone’s slipstream on the straights. We did well to recover from 12th to seventh today and score two valuable points to keep us in the championship fight as we head for Nogaro in October.”
Ellis lies third in the FIA GT3 European Championship battle on 24 points, 12 points behind the leaders, while Mortimer remains fourth on 22. As the penultimate championship rounds loom on 3&4 October at Nogaro, France, Ellis and Mortimer will be aiming to return to their winning ways in order to be in with a chance of catching the championship leaders.
For full race results, points and further information on the FIA GT3 European Championship, visit www.fiagt3.com
Monday 8 September 2008
Ellis Fit and Ready for Brno
After a welcome two month break, Bradley Ellis and the FIA GT3 European Championship will be back in action for rounds seven and eight at Brno in the Czech Republic on 13&14 September. As the season reaches the halfway point, Ellis lies third in the championship standings in what is his first full rookie year in the series, just seven points adrift of the leaders Arnaud Peyroles and James Ruffier.
The last rounds, at Oschersleben in June, saw Ellis return to racing less than a week after a serious accident during a guest appearance in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Thruxton left him with a compression fracture to the sixth vertebra. Although it was a challenging weekend in Germany, where Ellis and teammate Alex Mortimer were put out of the hunt while leading round five and brake failure put pay to their round six chances, the pair managed to defend their respective championship positions.
Ellis heads to the Czech Republic fully rested and itching to get back at the wheel of the Matech Ford GT and commented: “After such a long break between Oschersleben and Brno, I can’t wait to get back in the car. My neck is feeling really good now and I’m not experiencing any pain or trouble, so I am ready to get back in to the championship fight. At Oschersleben we just had to defend our championship position but now I am back on full form we will be looking for another podium finish and vital points at Brno.”
The two one-hour test sessions on Friday will be the first time the 21 year-old has been in the car since Oschersleben but Ellis does have experience of the Czech circuit as he competed in occasional rounds of the series last year in a Team RPM Dodge Viper.
Having collected a new helmet and HANS device on the way home from hospital the day after his Thruxton accident, Ellis had to race in an uncharacteristically bland white helmet in Germany. But thanks to the outstanding efforts of JLF Designs, the reigning British GT Champion will be easily recognisable at Brno in his traditional helmet design.
With just seven points separating Ellis from the championship leaders and 10 points up for grabs for the victor of each FIA GT3 European round, another win to follow Ellis and Mortimer’s double victory at Monza would tip the scales in the Croydon racer’s favour.
Qualifying at Brno will take place at 10.35am local time on Saturday with round seven at 3pm followed by round eight at 11.15am on Sunday. For further information on the FIA GT3 European Championship, news and the full event schedule visit www.fiagt3.com
Sunday 6 July 2008
Challenging Return to Racing for Ellis in Germany
Croydon’s Bradley Ellis made a brave return to racing on 5&6 July for the FIA GT3 European rounds at Oschersleben, Germany, less than a week after a serious accident at Thruxton (UK) left him with a compression fracture to the sixth vertebra. Despite his impressive recovery and determination to get back in the race seat, Ellis and team mate Alex Mortimer endured a challenging weekend that left the Matech duo without scoring championship points. Although Mortimer was taken out at the first corner while leading round five and brake failure ruined their round six chances, Ellis remains third and Mortimer forth in the title fight.
Since the duo’s double win at Monza, the Matech Ford GT was given a further 70kilos of ballast, taking the total to a whopping 140kilos. Unsurprisingly this massive penalty was more than a burden and the pair struggled under the excessive weight.
Just four days after being discharged from hospital following his serious accident in the Ginetta G50 contesting the Avon Tyres British GT round last Sunday, 29 June, Ellis was cleared by doctors and took the wheel of the Ford GT on Friday. Practice was also the first chance for both drivers to familiarise themselves with the challenging German circuit.
Following over-night rain, a damp track greeted Mortimer for qualifying where he finished fifth fastest with 1:31.996. As the sun came out, track and tyre temperatures rose to deliver a quicker second session where Ellis managed 10th fastest with a time of 1:31.363.
The sun was shining on Saturday afternoon as the lights went green for round five and Mortimer made a brilliant start from the third row to take the lead in to the first corner but chaos reined entering Hotel corner. On the outside from turn one, Christopher Haase (GER) in the Lamborghini made contact with Marcello Zani (ITA) in the Aston Martin, sandwiching Zani against Mortimer.
Disastrously, the Aston Martin’s body work locked with the rear of the Ford GT, spearing Mortimer across the grass and into the tyre wall on the inside of Hotel. With damaged steering and tracking to the Ford GT, Mortimer’s race was run. With the top five championship contenders also failing to score points, the standings thankfully remained unchanged with Ellis third and Mortimer fourth.
With repairs complete to the Ford GT, including a new steering arm, Ellis took to the grid for round six on Sunday. With Saturday’s first corner melee in mind, Ellis made a sensible start to finish lap one in 13th and soon got in the groove to pick off places up to 11th by the end of lap five. With tenth-placed Dino Lunardi (FRA) in his sights, Ellis cut the Frenchman’s one-second advantage to just four tenths the following lap but, as the Brit began to challenge, the Ford GT suffered brake failure.
Consequently, Ellis had to brake 100-150 metres early, allowing Nicki Cadei (ITA) past on lap eight. Despite the problem, Ellis did a valiant job of staying in the fray and even re-took Cadei following a mistake from the Italian, to regain 11th place on lap 11. But as the brake situation failed to improve Ellis had little choice in dropping to 13th.
Diving into the pits to complete the driver change, Mortimer joined the race on lap 16, just as the safety car was called out on track and picked up the field in front of the number 21 Ford GT. Instead of being allowed past the safety car to circulate and take up his correct track position, Mortimer was kept behind effectively putting the Matech pairing one lap down as other teams took the advantage to pit.
When the safety car finally came in there was little Mortimer could do, with no brakes and 140kilos of ballast on board, to improve his position and the Ford GT finished 17th.
“After all the struggle and effort to actually get to Germany and be allowed to race at Oschersleben, it’s been a bit of a disappointing weekend,” said Ellis. “We didn’t come here aiming to win but to consolidate our championship position and score some points. As it turns out, most of the top championship contenders also suffered non-point scoring finishes, which still leaves me third and Alex fourth. It felt good to be back in a racecar but now I can look forward to resting until the next rounds at Brno in September.”
Arnaud Peyroles (FRA) and James Ruffier (FRA) lead the FIA GT3 European Championship standings with 29 points, just three ahead of Ian Khan (GBR) and Thomas Mutsch (GER). With Ellis on 22 points and Mortimer on 20, the championship-fight will continue to rage at Brno on 13&14 September.
For results and further information on the FIA GT3 European Championship, visit www.fiagt3.com
Sunday 4 July 2008
Ellis Cleared to Race FIA GT3 European Rounds in Germany
Bradley Ellis has been given medical clearance, by both a specialist and a doctor, to race the Matech Ford GT in Oschersleben, Germany, this weekend. It was feared that Ellis would miss the FIA GT3 European rounds following his serious accident at Thruxton on Sunday 29 June, but the 21 year-old has been given a clear bill of health to continue his attack on the series title with team mate Alex Mortimer.
The Croydon star, who won both FIA GT3 races at Monza and lies third in the driver standings, contested the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Thruxton to support Fulvio Mussi and the pair finished second in class on Saturday. But contact to the rear of Ellis’ Ginetta G50 on one of the fastest parts of the Hampshire circuit launched him off the track and into a bank protecting a marshals post, just before the chicane.
Thankfully no marshals were injured in the incident and thanks to their swift actions, not to mention his HANS device, Ellis was spared from serious injury.
After an over-night stay in Winchester Hospital Ellis was discharged on Monday and despite a compression fracture to the sixth vertebra he didn’t require the support of a neck brace. Subsequent specialist consultation and treatment ensured that Ellis was given medical clearance on Wednesday.
Already armed with a new crash helmet and HANS device, which he collected on the way home from hospital on Monday, Ellis commented: “I’m thrilled to be getting back in the Ford GT four days after leaving hospital because I’m feeling fine. I’ve had a lot of tests and treatment this week and I wouldn’t risk racing unless I felt completely ready. I’m really looking forward to getting down to business on Friday, and scoring some valuable championship points in Germany would certainly end the week on a better note than it started.”
For information on the FIA GT3 European Championship visit www.fiagt3.com
Monday 30 June 2008
Bradley to be Released from Hospital
Further to the statement issued at 8.45pm on Sunday 29 June, consultants at Winchester Hospital are delighted with Bradley’s progress overnight and he has been cleared to go home today. His neck collar has been removed and he will not need to wear a neck brace during his recovery period.
Bradley is in high spirits this morning and eager to get home to recuperate for a swift return to racing as soon as he is cleared by his doctors.
Sunday 29 June 2008 - 8:45pm
Bradley Ellis Thruxton Incident Update
Further to the statement issued at 5.30pm today, medical examinations, including x-rays and CT scans, at Winchester Hospital have confirmed that Bradley has fractured a bone in his neck. He will remain in Winchester Hospital overnight for observation but hopes to return home tomorrow with a neck brace to support the injury.
Bradley’s sense of humour hasn’t been affected and he remains in good spirits. Bradley and his family would like to thank everyone for their support and kind wishes for a swift recovery.
Sunday 29 June 2008 - 5:30pm
Bradley Ellis Thruxton Incident
Bradley Ellis (car no. 52) suffered a serious accident at Thruxton today, Sunday 29 June, in the Team RPM Ginetta G4 during round 10 of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. The incident happened on lap four at Woodham Hill, approaching the Club chicane, where a rear impact sent Bradley off the track and into a marshals post at high speed.
Bradley managed to get out of the car but was taken by ambulance to Winchester Hospital where he has already undergone extensive x-rays and tests. The x-rays have proved inconclusive and further CT scans are being carried out to his neck and spinal area. Bradley is conscious and conversing. A further update with be provided when more information is available.
Thankfully no marshals were injured in the incident.
Kevin and Stella Ellis would like to thank everyone for their concern and support at this time.
Sunday 8 June 2008
Ellis Victory Showcases Ford GT in Style
Croydon’s Bradley Ellis demonstrated exactly what the Ford GT can do by taking victory in round eight of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, which followed second in round seven at Snetterton, Norfolk, on 7&8 June. With team mate Alex Mortimer, the reigning Avon Tyres British GT Champions returned to the premier series in a one-off appearance to showcase the Ford GT on its championship debut.
Fresh from the pairing’s first double FIA GT3 European win at Monza, the Matech Ford GT conducted its British GT debut in style from Friday and Saturday practice with Ellis and Mortimer topping the timesheets on both occasions in wet conditions. The rain, in fact, would not cease until Sunday but the weather didn’t stop Mortimer from qualifying fastest in the first session, with 1:18.846, and Ellis claiming pole in the second with 1:17.968.
With the rain still pouring late on Saturday afternoon, the lights went green for round seven with Mortimer at the wheel. An excellent start ensured he retained the lead from Riches Corner, which he would not relinquish until the pitstops when the Matech Ford GT would be obliged to complete a 30-second penalty on top of the standard 45-second pitstop.
The Ford GT’s only chance of staying in contention relied on Mortimer pulling out a sufficient margin before the pit window opened without a safety car period. With Jeremy Metcalfe chasing in second, Mortimer set the fastest lap and stretched the Ford GT’s lead to over ten seconds by the end of lap 12 but his hard work proved in vane when a safety car period was triggered the following lap immediately demolishing his advantage.
Three laps later, and still under the safety car, the pit window opened and the majority of the field dived for the pits, including Mortimer. With the 75-second pitstop and penalty completed, Ellis took the reins and joined the fray in 14th place but on a green flag lap.
Ellis immediately set about his hefty task and settled in behind Adam Jones and Allan Simonsen. Running quickest on lap 25 he jumped from 12th to 10th at the Esses and then took advantage of the squabbling Jones and Simonsen, again at the Esses, on lap 27 to lie eighth.
The soon-to-be 21-year-old was on a charge and dispatched Oliver Bryant and Anthony Reid the following lap for sixth. Next in line was fifth-placed James Sutton and Ellis managed to pass the Ferrari into Riches on lap 31 before closing on Adam Wilcox. A sweeping move alongside on the Revett Straight secured fifth under breaking into the Esses on lap 33.
With Jonathan Cocker next in his sights, Ellis closed on the pit straight to take the Lamborghini and fourth into Riches the following lap. With less than 10-minutes remaining second-placed Jon Barnes was 13.7 seconds ahead in the Dodge Viper and leader Luke Hines 16 seconds up the track. Ellis carved into Barnes’ advantage at a rate of over two seconds a lap when the Viper took Hines for the lead on lap 37. With the Ferrari now Ellis’ target eight seconds ahead, the Croydon star set the fastest lap of the race on lap 38. Just seven tenths adrift at the end of lap 40, Ellis moved alongside on the Revett Straight and took second into the Esses.
The leading Viper completed lap 41 over two seconds ahead with just one lap remaining. A blistering lap saw Ellis close on Barnes as the leading pair approached Coram to sit on the Viper’s tail at Russell Bend but the Viper had the run to the line. Ellis took the chequered flag just sixth tenths behind while his storm from 14th to second testified his British champion and FIA GT3 European driver status.
In stark contrast to Saturday’s downpours, a hot and sunny day greeted round eight on Sunday. A smooth start from pole ensured Ellis took the lead at Riches. Gradually pulling away from Hines’ Ferrari, the 20-year-old set the fastest lap of the race and a new Snetterton GT3 lap record on lap six while increasing his lead to six seconds.
With a sense of deja vu, as Ellis pulled out a 10-second advantage the safety car was called out on lap nine, undoing the British GT champion’s hard work and closing up the field. The safety car, however, joined in front of Hines and not the lead car, causing a prolonged period while the field was released to circulate and close up again behind Ellis.
Finally, racing recommenced on lap 14 and a slick re-start ensured that Ellis remained unchallenged to steadily build a margin once again, pulling out nearly one second per lap before the pit window opened on lap 18. Experiencing his first dry, hot, race in the Ford GT, Ellis continued to deliver and extended his lead to 10.5 seconds by the 30-minute marker. In an astounding effort to build as much of a pitstop cushion as possible, Ellis failed to put a wheel wrong and by the time he pitted on lap 28 had achieved a 17-second buffer.
Thanks to Ellis’ monumental effort, Mortimer joined the race following the mandatory pitstop and time penalty in second behind Hector Lester who had taken over from Simonsen in the Ferrari. On lap 30 a nine second gap separated the two front cars which Mortimer chipped away at until he made a move for the lead under braking at the Esses on lap 34.
The Viper of James Gornall took the Ferrari on lap 35 leaving a four second gap to separate first and second. Although Gornall closed to within just under two seconds in heavy traffic, the Ford GT remained unthreatened to cross the line with a three second margin, securing Ellis and Mortimer’s fifth win in six races.
Delighted with the Ford GT’s British GT debut, Ellis commented: “It’s been a great weekend and we have learnt a lot of valuable things here at Snetterton which we can carry into the FIA GT3 European Championship. We’ve done the Ford GT justice on home soil and couldn’t have done any more in the circumstances. We experienced some high-speed understeer in Sunday’s race and I drove each lap as if it was qualifying to try and pull out as much of a gap as possible. But to come back to this ultra-competitive championship as the reigning champions has been fantastic, if only for one race.”
Martin Bartek, Matech Team Principal, added: “We’ve had an excellent weekend, we really couldn’t have hoped for any better than to finish on the podium and to clinch our first British GT win on the Ford GT’s debut. If it hadn’t been for the safety car on Saturday, we would have taken the round seven victory also, but regardless I am very happy with the results. I’d like to thank Team RPM for all the preparation and for putting on such an excellent showcase. Equally, I could not ask for two better drivers to represent the Ford GT on its British GT debut. Both Brad and Alex have done an excellent job and I couldn’t imagine a better pairing for the car.”
With their one-off British GT appearance complete, Ellis and Mortimer will return to the FIA GT3 European Championship for rounds five and six at Oschersleben, Germany, on 6 July.
Avon Tyres British GT Championship, round seven, Snetterton – Provisional Results
1 – 40 – Gornall/Barnes – Dodge Viper Competition Coupe – 1:00:04.987 – 42laps
2 – 6 – Mortimer/Ellis – Ford GT - +0.697s
3 – 16 – Metcalfe/Hines – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +5.257s
4 – 9 – Machitski/Cocker – Lamborghini Gallardo - +18.706s
5 – 12 – Burton/Wilcox – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +21.143s
6 – 14 – Meadows/Sutton – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +22.202s
7 – 3 – Reid/Marsh – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +24.705s
8 – 21 – Johnson/Jones – Lamborghini Gallardo - +25.093s
9 – 23 – Lester/Simonsen – Ferrari F430 GT3 - +32.999s
10 – 4 – Bamford/Griffin – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +36.972s
Fastest lap: Bradley Ellis – 1:18.561 on lap 38
Avon Tyres British GT Championship, round eight, Snetterton – Provisional Results
1 – 6 – Ellis/Mortimer – Ford GT – 1:00:50.411 – 48laps
2 – 40 – Barnes/Gornall – Dodge Viper Competition Coupe - +2.833s
3 – 14 – Meadows/Sutton – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +30.921s
4 – 15 – Cullen/Mapelli – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +33.112s
5 – 23 – Simonsen/Lester – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +33.962s
6 – 9 – Cocker/Machitski – Lamborghini Gallardo - +35.168s
7 – 16 – Hines/Metcalfe – Ferrari 430 GT3 - +50.473s
8 – 2 – Bryant/Foster – Dodge Viper Competition Coupe - +55.274s
9 – 20 – Scott/Wilkins – Dodge Viper Competition Coupe - +1:13.101s
10 – 1 – Clark/O’Neill – Dodge Viper Competition Coupe - +1lap
Fastest Lap: Bradley Ellis – 1:08:802 on lap 6 – new Snetterton GT3 lap record
Photography: © Steven Nesta www.streaky-fish.com
Friday 30 May 2008
Ellis & Mortimer Revved Up for Ford GT British GT Debut
Reigning British GT Champion Bradley Ellis (Croydon) and team mate Alex Mortimer (Stoneleigh) will return to race in the series from which they stole the 2007 crown, for rounds seven and eight of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Snetterton, Norfolk, on 7&8 June. Fresh from their inaugural double FIA GT3 European victory as a pairing at Monza in May, Ellis and Mortimer will help the Matech Ford GT to make its British GT debut in the one-off 2008 appearance.
The Avon Tyres British GT rounds at Snetterton will mark Ellis and Mortimer’s first races together on UK soil since clinching the 2007 spoils in a nail-biting three-way showdown at Rockingham last September. However, the champions return to race an iconic supercar at the Norfolk track with new team Matech working in partnership with Team RPM Principal Robin Mortimer, who will be acting Team Manager for this unique event.
Developed and prepared by the Swiss Matech GT Racing team, with technical support from Ford Racing, the Ford GT is sure to attract attention at Snetterton. But the outing will have special significance for Ellis as the 20-year-old returns home to compete in a supercar from the motoring marque that helped him up the motorsport ladder to success.
In 2000, Ellis was selected as one of just nine drivers that formed the Ford Racing backed Zip Young Guns team. Aiming to help potential motorsport champions through the echelons of the sport under the auspices of karting guru Martin Hines, the team certainly achieved its objectives.
Ellis took a string of British and European karting championship titles under the team’s banner until 2002 and became the latest star graduate with his British GT glory last year. And with F1 Vodafone McLaren test driver and DTM star Gary Paffett and fellow GT racer Luke Hines also sprouting success from the same team, Ellis was in excellent company. The team reverted back to Zip Young Guns in 2002.
Despite the prestigious occasion, Ellis and Mortimer’s double ‘A’ grade driver status means that the Ford GT will be subject to a 30-second pit penalty at Snetterton, increasing the compulsory pitstop window from 45 to 75 seconds in total for each race. However, that won’t deter this accomplished driver pairing from doing their best.
“It’s going to be great fun at Snetterton,” said Ellis. “It will be a privilege to showcase the awesome Ford GT on home ground. We aren’t expecting to stroll out there and win, especially with the pitstop penalty, so we won’t be getting in the way of anyone’s championship fight. It will just be great to return to race in what is an excellent championship and to show the crowd what the Ford GT can do.”
Matech’s Martin Bartek commented: “We are very keen on showcasing the Matech Ford GT on British soil and we could not think of being represented any better than by last year’s British GT Champions, Bradley Ellis and Alex Mortimer. It will of course not be easy to fight for the first rankings, since Brad and Alex will have the burden of a 30-second pit penalty, which will be added to the regulatory pitstop time. Nevertheless, we remain confident and look forward to being a part of the prestigious British motorsport arena at Snetterton.”
Round seven of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship will take place at Snetterton circuit, in Norfolk, on Saturday 7 June at 16.40, and the lights will go green for round eight on Sunday at 14.00. Times remain provisional, please visit www.britishgt.com
Monday 19 May 2008
Ellis & Mortimer Do the Double First Time Out at Monza
Croydon’s Bradley Ellis and Alex Mortimer (Stoneleigh, Warwickshire) returned to their stylish winning ways in the FIA GT3 European Championship to take a double victory and their first wins in the premier series, in rounds three and four at Monza, Italy. The Italian GP venue marked the first time the pairing have raced together on the FIA GT3 European platform and since their 2007 Avon Tyres British GT Championship crown-clinching double win at Rockingham. Their champion form seals four consecutive wins and the best possible start to their championship campaign.
Ellis and Mortimer effortlessly settled back in to a winning groove. Unphased by his first qualifying run in the Matech Ford GT in the wet on Saturday morning, Mortimer clinched third on the grid for round three and Ellis followed to form with third for Sunday’s round four.
Starting round three on new tyres on a damp track, Mortimer made a great start from the second row of the grid to defend his position into turn one, with Johan Charpilienne (FRA) in the Corvette and David Loix (BEL) in the Porsche clear away. Once settled over the opening laps, Mortimer pushed to catch the Porsche.
Meanwhile advancing from fourth was the Matech Ford GT of Ian Khan (GBR) who, due to Mortimer being held up by Loix outbraking himself, joined the fight for second. It was Khan that made a move from fourth at the Ascari bend but the Ford GT went wide at the exit and consequently collected the Porsche taking both cars out of the race and leaving Mortimer to claim second.
The safety car was called upon as a result of the incident, to clear the track on lap 11, playing into Mortimer’s favour and greatly reducing Charpilienne’s lead. With 37 minutes to go, the safety car pulled into the pits, which Mortimer followed in a shrewdly timed handover to Ellis.
Rejoining the race in second, Ellis harnessed the opportunity of a clear track to post consistently impressive lap times, substantially cutting into the Corvette’s advantage. With Marc Sourd (FRA) at the wheel, the Corvette rejoined the fray with Ellis in its mirrors. The Croydon racer pushed relentlessly while Sourd was noticeably feeling the pressure and starting to make mistakes.
The 20-year-old was patient and waited for the Corvette to run wide at the Parabolica to allow his Ford GT to ease alongside down the pit straight, to take the lead on the inside of turn one. Although the Corvette stayed close at hand, Ellis kept his cool for the remaining 15-minutes to pull out a two second lead at the chequered flag to earn his first FIA GT3 European Championship win.
With Thomas Mutsch (GER) serving a grid penalty in the sister Matech Ford GT, Ellis made a blinding start from the front row in second for round four on Sunday, to outbrake Bruce Lorgeré-Roux (FRA) into turn one. But with a wet start and the Ferrari boasting better traction, Lorgeré-Roux re-took the lead on the exit and proved to have good pace in the opening laps.
While staying in contention of the Ferrari, Mutsch was making his way through the field and was soon in third, joining Ellis in the lead fight. Mutsch passed Ellis and the Matech Ford GTs pushed together to halt the Ferrari’s advances. Around 15-minutes into the race, both Matech cars passed the Ferrari with Dino Lunardi (FRA) in the third-placed Dodge Viper trying to catch Ellis.
Despite the increasing pressure on a drying track, Ellis kept in control of second before heading for the pits to handover to Mortimer with 28 minutes to go. The Matech team pitstop was slick and so Mortimer was surprised to join the fight down in third with the Dodge Viper miles ahead and the sister Ford GT in the lead.
It soon materialised that both Khan in the Ford GT and Gilles Vannelet (FRA), now at the helm of the Viper, had both been handed time penalties for pitstop infringements. Safe in the knowledge of this, Mortimer drove faultlessly to stay in fighting distance of the leading pair but neither Khan nor Vannelet returned to the pits to take their penalty.
Mortimer crossed the line in third but, with Khan demoted to third and Vannelet to fifth under time penalties awarded after the race, Mortimer was handed the victory. For the second time in one weekend the Matech duo mounted the top step of the podium and celebrated their first double FIA GT3 European win.
The dynamic duo’s outstanding performances sees Ellis third in the driver standings, with Mortimer in fourth and two rounds adrift after missing the season-opener at Silverstone.
Delighted with a successful weekend’s work, Ellis commented: “This has been a fantastic weekend, we couldn’t have asked for better, particularly as it’s the first time Alex and I have raced together in the series. It’s great to have our championship-winning partnership back on track and now we can look forward to the next round in Germany with four straight wins under our belts. From here, we will aim to keep on scoring points and podiums and hopefully that will help us get a shot at the championship title.”
FIA GT3 European Championship, Round Three, Monza, Italy
Provisional Results
1 – 21 - Mortimer/Ellis – Ford GT – 1:00:46.605 – 29laps
2 – 47 - Deverikos/Haase – Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 - +18.037s
3 – 1 - Peyroles/Ruffier – Corvette Z06R GT3 - +18.153s
4 – 29 - Lesoudier/Scheier – Morgan Aero 8 GT3 - +31.612s
5 – 8 - Mena/Accary – Aston Martin DBRS9 - +43.215s
6 – 22 - De Doncker/Maxwell – Ford Mustang FR500 GT – +44.684s
7 – 12 - Rambeaud/Misslin – Ferrari F430 GT3 - +45.552s
8 – 4 - Hyman/Warren – Ferrari F430 GT3 - +50.285s
9 – 10 - Lagniez/Makowiecki – Aston Martin DBRS9 - +50.565s
10 – 37 - Matzke/Skula – Corvette Z06R GT3 - +57.011s
FIA GT3 European Championship, Round Four, Monza, Italy
Provisional Results
1 – 21 - Ellis/Mortimer – Ford GT – 1:01:14.240 – 28laps
2 – 1 - Ruffier/Peyroles – Corvette Z06R GT3 - +22.735s
3 – 20 - Mutsch/Khan – Ford GT - +59.603s
4 – 10 - Makowiecki/Lagniez – Aston Martin DBRS9 - +1:10.667s
5 – 43 - Lunardi/Vannelet – Dodge Viper Competition Coupe - +1:12.730s
6 – 5 - Tonoli/Balbiani – Ferrari F430 GT3 - +1:17.131s
7 – 6 - Williams/Ashburn – Porsche 997 GT3 - +1:18.710s
8 – 44 - Thiry/Greenhalgh – Ascari KZ1R GT3 – 1:20.838s
9 – 12 - Misslin/Rambeaud – Ferrari F430 GT3 - +1:26.753s
10 – 35 - Penders/Lamot – Porsche 997 GT3 - +1:30.959s
Notes: Car 43 – 77 second penalty. Car 20 – 63 second penalty
For results and further information on the FIA GT3 European Championship, visit www.fiagt3.com
-Ends-
Attached photography Credit
GT3_030 - © DPPI
446778 & 446628 - © Jakob Ebrey
For further information and photography contact the Bradley Ellis Racing Press Office:
Emma Spearing, Hazel PR:
Tel: 01202 862410 Fax: 01202 862301 Mobile: 07736 341828
E-mail: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com
Tuesday 6 May 2008
Ellis Seals FIA GT3 European Championship Seat for 2008
Croydon’s Bradley Ellis will rekindle the partnership with Alex Mortimer that saw the sensational pairing seize the 2007 Avon Tyres British GT Championship crown at the next rounds of the FIA GT3 European Championship at Monza, 17&18 May. The British GT Champions have signed to complete the rest of the season in the Swiss Matech Racing Team’s Ford GT following Ellis’ promising first outing in the opening rounds at Silverstone.
Ellis and Mortimer have not raced together since the final nail-biting round of the Avon Tyres British GT Championship at Rockingham last September but the formidable pairing will be drawing on two seasons of racing success together as they head to Monza. Although both drivers individually competed in select FIA GT3 European Championship rounds in 2007, Monza will see their first joint outing in the series.
“It’s great to resurrect our championship-winning partnership. Alex and I have raced together for over two years; we know how each other drives and how to use that to our advantage in race conditions. We’ve joined a strong team and we’ll work in partnership with them to develop the Ford GT and get ourselves to the front of the field.”
Although Ellis clinched vital championship points in the opening FIA GT3 European Championship rounds at Silverstone, Mortimer joins the title fight two races adrift, making the Monza objective clear. But with Mortimer yet to run in the Ford GT, Ellis’ expectations remain realistic.
“Due to some technical gremlins at Silverstone, qualifying was the first opportunity I had to get a good run in the car and that was a month ago, but Alex is yet to drive the Ford GT. His first opportunity will be on the Monza practice days when we will be aiming to get ourselves settled in to both the car and racing together again. I’m sure everything will fall together smoothly to let us focus on getting Alex in to the championship fight and on scoring as many points as possible.”
FIA GT3 European Championship Calendar 2008
| Round |
Date |
Country |
Circuit |
| 1&2 |
19&20 April |
Great Britain |
Silverstone |
| 3&4 |
17&18 May |
Italy |
Monza |
| 5&6 |
5&6 July |
Germany |
Oschersleben |
| 7&8 |
13&14 September |
Czech republic |
Brno |
| 9&10 |
4&5 October |
France |
Nogaro |
| 11&12 |
15&16 November |
United Arab Emirates Dubai |
|
Notes to Editors
For further information on Bradley Ellis, including his career history and biography, visit www.bradleyellisracing.com
For further information on the FIA GT3 European Championship, visit www.fiagt3.com
For media information and photography contact the Bradley Ellis Racing Press Office:
Emma Spearing, Hazel PR:
Tel: 01202 862410 Fax: 01202 862301 Mobile: 07736 341828
E-mail: emma.spearing@hazelpr.com
Ellis Battles to Bag FIA GT3 European Championship Points at Silverstone
Croydon's Bradley Ellis battled against adversity in the opening rounds of the FIA GT3 European Championship at Silverstone, 19&20 April, to come back from 25th on the grid to 11th on Saturday and bag a point-scoring finish with seventh on Sunday. With team-mate Ed Morris (Sittingbourne, Kent), Ellis overcame mechanical and technical issues but looked promising in their first outing in the Ford GT.
On the Friday test day it became apparent that the Ford GT, which was a brand new car not previously tested, would have more than its fair share of teething problems. Unfortunately that meant that neither Morris nor Ellis could get any significant time at the wheel without returning to the pits to rectify electronic issues, intermittent power steering, a gearbox assembly error, no ABS, no pit lane speed limiter and no pits-to-car radio. However, Ellis’ excellent technical feedback and data analysis helped to swiftly identify the gremlins, which the Matech team did well to rectify, but left the pair with a maximum of five laps on track.
A drizzly, damp day on Saturday greeted the first qualifying session which was really Morris’ first practice run in the Ford GT, resulting in a grid slot of 25th. Ellis managed 12th in the second session for Sunday’s round two, but his time would have been good enough to take pole in session one.
Morris made a good start from the 13th row for round one, which actually played in his favour as he avoided the opening lap melee that included an accident and at least two spinning cars. Morris maximised on the opportunity to surge forward and took 10 places by the time he passed the pits. With the Ford GT running well, Morris continued to press on and took a further two places by the end of lap two.
Morris made sensible and steady progress in the ensuing laps. Despite struggling with understeer, the 19-year-old eased the car up to 11th position before pitting at the 30-minute marker to hand over to Ellis.
Despite a swift driver change, a problem fastening Ellis’ belts lost at least 10 seconds and, instead of rejoining on the cusp of the top ten, Ellis took up the mantle in 17th. The reigning British GT Champion immediately got to grips with making up for lost time by taking places on his out lap.
Ten minutes or so into his stint, Ellis had regained sufficient ground to lie 15th and was taking 14th when the car in front spun directly into the Croydon racer’s path. Although Ellis lost valuable seconds to the cars ahead, he emerged two places better off in 13th. The recently accepted BRDC member fought his way through the spread out field to take two further places.
With ten minutes remaining, Ellis was up to 11th and making the most of a clear track to post his quickest lap times, placing him just 10 tenths of a second adrift of leader Thomas Mutsch (GBR). Lapping at a relentless pace, Ellis made good ground to close to within a few seconds of Richard Williams (GBR) in the Porsche but the chequered flag fell far too soon for Ellis to make an impression. However, 11th from 25th on the grid remained a respectable result.
Round two on Sunday kicked off with cloudy conditions and a damp track but that didn’t stop Ellis from making a good start from 12th and taking one place exiting Becketts. However, at the end of lap one the safety car came out holding the field for two laps. Ellis maximised on his position at the restart to take Tom Ferrier (GBR) in the Lamborghini at Stowe for 10th place and Ben Clucas’ (GBR) Jaguar around the outside at Maggotts for ninth the following lap.
Ellis soon latched on to the back of Jonathan Lang (GBR) but although the Ascari was slow into the corners it was able to pull away quicker than the Ford GT, loosing Ellis up to two seconds per lap as a result. The 20-year-old finally found a way past and, with a car higher up the field taking to the pits, Ellis was up to seventh.
Once clear of the Ascari, Ellis was able to post some much-improved lap times but the time lost meant that the leading pack had pulled away. Although Ellis made an impression on the group, it was time to pit and handover to Morris two laps later.
Lacking a pit lane speed restrictor, the duo had to err on the side of caution consequently loosing valuable seconds to the Ascari and Morris rejoined the fray in 11th. Holding ninth once the pit stops were complete, Morris steadily picked off eighth and seventh placed cars. While pushing to catch Jean-Claude Lagniez (FRA) 25-seconds up the track, Morris also had to contend with Nicki Cadei (ITA) filling his mirrors.
Regardless, Morris sliced five seconds a lap out of Lagniez’s Aston Martin to command a challenging position four laps later. But as Morris lined up to pass, Cadei managed to take both Morris and Lagniez. Not prepared to settle for eighth, Morris managed to pass Lagniez on the final lap but the Ferrari was already too far ahead to contemplate any further manoeuvres. Morris took the chequered flag and bagged valuable championship points in the process.
Ellis commented: “It was great to be back out on the race track again but this weekend was quite a challenge. It’s remarkable that we managed to walk away from Silverstone with some championship points as to be honest on Friday that just wasn’t looking possible. If we hadn’t experienced the problems in practice and had to race without ABS and power steering, then I am sure we would have two points-paying finishes in the bag. But at the end of the day we salvaged something out of nothing and those championship points might come in handy towards the end of the season. I’d like to thank Lifestyle Europe, ATS and Stanox for supporting me at this round.”
FIA GT3 European Championship – Provisional Results
Round One, Silverstone, UK
1 Khan/Mutsch Ford GT 1:00:05.149
2 Forsten/Loix Porsche 997 GT3 +2.441
3 Giraudi/Zani Aston Martin DBRS9 +17.257
4 Cadei/Balbiani Ferrari F430 GT3 +20.451
5 Quaife/Hall Jaguar XKR +21.906
6 Fabris/Ferrier Lamborghini Gallardo GT3 +24.025
7 Peyroles/Ruffier Corvette Z06R GT3 +24.306
8 Vannelet/Lunardi Dodge Viper Competition Coupe +25.582
9 Rich/Thompson Ascari KZ1R GT3 +29.542
10 Ashburn/Williams Porsche 997 GT3 +36.135
11 Morris/Ellis Ford GT +38.422
FIA GT3 European Championship – Provisional Results
Round Two, Silverstone, UK
1 Mutsch/Khan Ford GT 1:00:14.797
2 Ruffier/Peyroles Corvette Z06R GT3 +1.887
3 Loix/Forsten Porsche 997 GT3 +10.347
4 Scheier/Lesoudier Morgan Aero 8 GT3 +14.333
5 Lunardi/Vannelet Dodge Viper Competition Coupe +14.587
6 Balbiani/Cadei Ferrari F430 GT3 +42.375
7 Ellis/Morris Ford GT +45.464
8 Rambeaud/Misslin Ferrari F430 GT3 +49.049
9 Makowiecki/Lagniez Aston Martin DBRS9 +49.634
10 Lemeret/Greenhalgh Ascari KZ1R GT3 +54.007
For further results and further information on the FIA GT3 European Championship, visit www.fiagt3.com
Ellis Honoured by BRDC Membership
Croydon’s Bradley Ellis has been confirmed as a full member of the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC), effective immediately for the 2008 season.
The 20-year-old was elected for membership following his astonishing 2007 efforts to seal the Avon Tyres British GT Championship crown in his debut GT3 season. “I am delighted to have been invited to become a full member of the BRDC,” said Ellis. “I have always wanted to be a member since I started my racing career, so it is a great honour and a privilege. The BRDC is the foundation for British motorsport and I look forward to upholding the Club’s values.”
With an impressive race CV, Ellis is a former British kart champion, who competed in the BRDC Stars of Tomorrow kart championship, and a European karting race winner. Ellis launched his single seater career in 2004 in the Formula Renault Italia championship but returned to the UK to race in Formula Renault in 2005.
It was, however, a move to the Avon Tyres British GT Championship in 2006 that saw Ellis flourish. Competing in the GTC class, he immediately impressed with three wins and several podium finishes securing third in the championship.
The natural graduation to GT3 in 2007 was a recipe for success. Again racing in partnership with fellow BRDC member Alex Mortimer, equipped with the Team RPM Dodge Viper Competition Coupe, the pairing proved explosive. Although they had to fight hand over fist for every point last year, the dynamic duo clinched the spoils at the final round, with four wins, two second and two third-place finishes.
During 2007, Ellis also stunned the opposition on his FIA GT3 European debut at Monza, Italy, where he scored a sensational second, earning a place on the podium.
Founded in 1928, the BRDC has grown to become the most prestigious racing club in the world and membership currently totals over 850. The entry criteria to the Club is very strict with full membership only offered to drivers who have attained international success over a number of seasons.
Ellis joins some of the most prestigious motor racing names in history on the BRDC roll of honour and he will now proudly display the BRDC badge on his helmet and race suit. As the Avon Tyres British GT Champion, Ellis is in the enviable position of considering a number of high profile options for the coming season.
Ellis Racing 4 Charity at Autosport International
Avon Tyres British GT Champion Bradley Ellis will be attending the world’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International, 10-13 January 2008. Ellis will be travelling to the NEC in Birmingham to chat about his plans for the 2008 season and take part in a very special charity kart race which aims to raise £50,000.
Ellis will be attending the exclusive press day on Thursday 10 January and the trade day on Friday 11 January. Throughout his two-day trip, the 20-year-old will be visiting the new Karting Show at Autosport International. As a former British kart champion, Ellis is joining the plethora of established motorsport stars who will be hoping to help more people get interested in starting karting.
On Friday 11 January, Ellis will join over 70 top motorsport celebrities in the bid to help David Brabham’s Racing 4 Charity organisation raise £50,000 in the Autosport International BP Ultimate 102 Unleaded Charity Kart Challenge.
The battle of the motorsport formulas will recommence in what will be the biggest ever Racing 4 Charity event. Virtually every major motorsport formula will be represented in the 22 teams competing including drivers from ALMS, DTM, WTCC, BTCC, British and FIA GT, British F3, WRC, Formula Renault and karting.
Ellis will be in excellent company, racing alongside some of the best names in the business, including David Brabham, Johnny Herbert, Allan McNish, Gary Paffett, Darren Turner, Gil de Ferran, Emanuele Pirro, Oliver Jarvis, Adam Carroll and Matthew Wilson, to name just a few. Even Louise Goodman and Ted Kravitz from ITV F1 will be taking part.
Remarkably, members of the public have the exclusive chance to be a part of this star-studded event for just £300 per driver, simply contact bill@racing4charity.com or call 07712 578263. The fun starts at 1.30pm on the Karting 4 U track in Hall 4, where a 30-minute qualifying session will precede the extended one and a half hour race, which starts at 3.15pm.
Hosted by the voice of the BTCC and talkSPORT Alan Hyde, the Karting Show Karting Stage will welcome Ellis to share his season’s experiences on the way to the British GT Championship spoils, as well as some top tips for newcomers to the sport.
Ellis commented: “The Autosport International show really is the official start to the new motorsport season and I do my best to go every year, ever since I was a karter. I’m really looking forward to helping raise over £50,000 in the Racing 4 Charity kart race and I am privileged to have the opportunity to put my driving skills to use for a number of worthy charities. It will be great to see my fellow drivers and friends after the winter break and, of course, to share my plans for the 2008 season with Autosport International visitors.”
Ellis’ participation in the Racing 4 Charity event follows another fundraising effort by the British GT Champion on Sunday 25 November. Ellis went back to his karting roots to take part in Johnny Herbert’s annual charity karting challenge, which raised between £15,000 and £20,000 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. Forming Team Rescue Racers, Ellis was joined by Terry Grant, Rick Parfitt, Robin Liddell and Alex Albon at The Raceway, Kingscross.
Autosport International opens to the public on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 January, filling 10 halls of the NEC, Birmingham, to form the world’s biggest motorsport show. Avoid the queues and book online at www.autosport-international.com or by phoning the ticket hotline on 0870 040 0396. Tickets are £28.00 per adult including entry to the 55-minute adrenaline-pumping Live Action Arena; children’s (5 – 15 years) tickets are £18.50.
Johnny Herbert Charity Karting Challenge
Avon Tyres British GT Champion Bradley Ellis went back to his karting roots to take part in Johnny Herbert’s annual charity karting challenge on Sunday 25 November, which raised between £15,000 and £20,000 for the Warwickshire and Northamptonshire Air Ambulance. Forming Team Rescue Racers, Ellis was joined by Terry Grant, Rick Parfitt, Robin Liddell and Alex Albon at The Raceway, Kingscross.
The eventual winners of the three-hour endurance race was Pache London, three-seconds behind in second place were Team Arbuthnot Private Bank, followed six-seconds later by Fiona’s Flyers. Team Rescue Racers finished tenth.
Elect Ellis for Autosport Award
Croydon’s Bradley Ellis is eligible to be nominated for the Autosport British Club Driver of the Year award following the fantastic form which saw him seal the 2007 Avon Tyres British GT Championship spoils, alongside teammate Alex Mortimer.
The winner of the Autosport British Club Driver of the Year award will be decided purely by Autosport magazine readers, so Ellis needs your support to be in with a chance of clinching this coveted award. The likely candidates were revealed in Autosport, the world’s best-selling motorsport weekly, on Thursday 18 October. If you have a copy of the magazine, you need to fill out and post the entry form on page 70. But hurry, because entries close for judging on Friday 9 November.
Since its creation in 1982, the roll of honour for the Autosport British Club Driver of the Year includes British Formula One sensation Lewis Hamilton, double World Touring Car Champion Andy Priaulx, not to mention the likes of Allan McNish and David Coulthard, to name but a few of Britain’s racing elite.
Ellis, aged just 20-years, and Mortimer took the Team RPM Viper to clinch the Avon Tyres British GT3 crown in a championship fight that went down to the wire and the final rounds at Rockingham. In his rookie GT3 year, Ellis helped take the Viper to four race wins, two second-place podiums and two third-place podiums en route to glory.
Ellis commented: “It is an honour to be put forward as a likely candidate for the Autosport British Club Driver of the Year award, especially when you look at the calibre of the previous winners. It really puts the icing on the cake after such an unbelievable roller-coaster year. Now all I need is for everyone to complete their voting forms to be in with a chance of winning against some tough opposition.”
If you have shared the ups and downs of Ellis’ season and rejoiced in his victory, then make sure you vote using the form on page 70 in your copy of Autosport magazine, dated Thursday 18 October.
ELLIS TAKES HOME THE SILVERWARE
Croydon’s Bradley Ellis and teammate Alex Mortimer (Stoneleigh) were officially crowned the Avon Tyres British GT Champions of 2007 at the prestigious SRO annual awards ceremony at the Victoria Park Plaza Hotel in London on Saturday 13 October.
The Team RPM pairing clinched the Avon Tyres British GT Championship in sensational style in a thrilling end of season battle at Rockingham on 30 September. After just two weeks for their achievements to sink in, Ellis and Mortimer were proud to be awarded with the stunning championship silverware by Avon Tyres Marketing Communication Manager, Sarah McRoberts.
Ellis and Mortimer joined the GT3 category in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship as rookies this season, after graduating from the GTC class where they clinched third in 2006. The youngest pairing on the GT3 grid, 20-year-old Ellis and 22-year-old Mortimer took the coveted championship spoils with four race wins, two second-place finishes and two-third places.
After a challenging season en route to the championship crown, the dynamic duo are now exploring opportunities for the 2008 season, so watch this space.
Champion Bradley Ellis – Bradley Ellis on his way to collect his championship silverware.
Avon Tyres British GT Champions – Bradley Ellis (left) and Alex Mortimer (right) proudly collect their championship silverware from Sarah McRoberts, Avon Tyres Marketing Communications Manager, at the awards ceremony at the Victoria Park Plaza Hotel, London.
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