after Thruxton podium

Ollie Hancock wrapped up the Formula Renault BARC championship title with two races to spare after a second place finish at his home circuit Thruxton at the weekend saw him build an unassailable points lead.

The 20-year-old Apotex Scorpio Motorsport driver, who has dominated the series in 2008, taking five wins and four other podiums from the ten races so far, secured the championship with second place at the Hampshire circuit to take his first major title in just his second season of modern racing.

Qualifying was held in damp but drying conditions and Ollie’s hopes of pole position were scuppered when the session was red flagged as he prepared for his flying laps.

Starting seventh on the grid, BRDC Rising Star Hancock made a good start and was third by the end of the first lap, taking second at the end of the second tour by outbraking Ahmad Al Harthy into the chicane. With race leader Johannes Seidlitz having already pulled out a significant advantage, and with Ollie needing just four points to seal the championship, the Hampshire youngster settled for second and the title.

“It’s a fantastic feeling and to have clinched it here at my home circuit, in front of all my family and friends makes it even more special,” said a delighted Hancock. “My only target this year was to win the title and today is a reward for the hard work the team and I have put in this season. I’d like to thank everybody at Apotex Scorpio Motorsport because they have been brilliant all year.”