ALEX Storckenfeldt (Ljungskile, Sweden) made up three places in the Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin this weekend after eclipsing the competition at Croft Circuit with two wins.
The 20-year-old Team AKA driver bagged two consecutive victories and helped give the team its first one-two, with James Jakes (Cullingworth, West Yorkshire) taking the second step of the podium.
After the race an exuberant Storckenfeldt said the championship title was within his sights, even though leader Oliver Jarvis (Burwell, Cambs) is still 95 points ahead of him.
“After Oliver drops his scores it will narrow the gap,” said Storckenfeldt, referring to the Championship regulation enabling drivers to chose their best 17 scores of 20 rounds. “The title fight is on after this meeting and we’re going to push really hard to win. Now we know we can.”
Jarvis finished fifth in round ten and second in the first race, six seconds behind Storckenfeldt who was lapping a second a lap quicker at some points. “If Alex could keep consistency up he would definitely be a threat,” said the 21-year-old, who is still 43 championship points ahead of second-place man Sebastian Hohenthal (Mora, Sweden). “I’m happy when I look at today’s result from the championship point of view. But I’m a racing driver and I like to win. I’m a little disappointed with the pace we had. We’ll look at the data and see what can be done. The car seemed to be handling OK.”
Formula Renault Rookie, Ben Hanley (Bury, Lancs) was awarded driver of the day after a great passing move on Cheng Cong Fu (Oxford) for 10th place. The 20-year-old joined Team AKA amid great expectations after a very successful career in world championship karting.
“We’d love to keep him on,” said team owner John Jakes. “He’s a very well respected karter and is actually racing in the Italian Formula Renault at the moment. We’re aiming to get all three steps of the podium before too long.”
Speaking about his son’s second place in round 10 he added: “James dug a bit deeper and found the pace he needed. He made a fantastic start passing Sebastian. My heart was in my mouth.”
But Jakes said it was always under control. “I knew I had it covered as soon as I got up the inside,” said the 17-year-old. “If you’re at all nervous you don’t commit so if you’re going to go for it you’ve got to just go for it with all your heart.”
In the Graduate Cup for young, novice drivers Richard Keen (Amersham, Bucks) extended his lead over Will Bratt (Banbury, Oxon) to 11 points after Bratt failed to finish in the 10th round following a puncture.
The 16-year-old was philosophical though. “It’s very frustrating,” he said. “But these things happen in motor racing, and you have to just look forward to the following event.
“Snetterton is next on the calendar and I think we can expect to be in pretty good shape there.”
Formula Renault UK Championship provisional points after round ten:
1st Jarvis:263, 2nd Hohenthal: 220, 3rd Jakes: 204, 4th McIntosh: 192, 5th Hogan: 179, 6th:Storckenfeldt: 168, 7th Hall: 166, 8th Gonzalez: 152, 9th Buurman: 142, 10th Kimber-Smith: 113
For all the latest Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin news visit the official Renault Sport UK website www.renaultsport.co.uk built by Racecar
