It came down to the very last race of the very last round of the 2011CERTINA Formula Renault 2.0 UK championship to secure the top threepositions in the table and, after a tough start to the weekend for the AtechReid GP team all drivers needed to push hard on track to secure those verylast valuable championship points on offer. None more so than Tio Ellinaswho, after starting from grid 6 in both races today has fought hard to catchdown the championship lead, narrowly missing out on count back points tofinish the third in the championship.
Tio fought hard all season but it all came down to the very last race of theweekend. Finishing 4th place in race one and two the 19-year-old Cypriot wasunable to hold onto his well-deserved 2nd position in the championship dueto the immense amount of points he had to drop in what is called "DropPoints". Every driver essentially drops their worst round of the year andthose points are then recalculated and stand as the final total for thechampionship year.
After a consistent season and numerous podium finishes Tio had to drop anincredible 40 points, 13 more than championship winner Lynn and 40 more thaneventual second placed driver Rowland.
"The pressure was unbelievable going into the last race." Tio stated. "Ifought so hard all year for the championship and fought until the very lastlap but I had to drop 40 points compared to Lynn who only had to drop 27 andRoland who only didn't have to drop any because of a DNF, so I was punishedin a way for being consistent which to me is very frustrating. It isunfortunate to have slipped to third in the last race of the season but inthe same instance it is good for the team and myself to have held onto a top3 spot."
Dan Wells' mature approach to the final race of the season saw him improvefrom his qualifying positions. The Salisbury lad who has since stamped hisauthority in the championship, surprising a few people along the way hasproduced consistent lap times and overall finishing positions.
"To secure 9th and 7th place in race one and two and finishing the year in10th in points is positive." Dan stated. "This weekend the goal afterqualifying was to go forwards. My first race was not so great, moving uponly one spot but the second was far more exciting for me holding onto 7thplace. It is a good way to end the championship year."
Meanwhile Oscar King's return to the championship this weekend was not aspositive as he may have hoped for. Oscar rounded out the top 10 in race oneand after serving a drive through penalty in race two for exceeding thetrack limits he rounded out the field in 11th position.
Team Principal Anthony Reid commented on the season "This year is our firstyear competing under the Atech Reid GP banner in the Formula Renault 2.0 UKseason. We have had an incredible year and have learnt a lot and I wouldlike to personally thank all our drivers, team staff and sponsors for such agreat year. Next on the cards for us is the 2011 PROTYRE Formula RenaultFinals Series, which will see some new faces with drivers being announced inthe coming weeks. The future is looking bright for Atech Reid GP. "
