The 2005 British Formula Three International series comes to a close this weekend at Silverstone with Lola drivers looking to end the season on a high after another successful season that has seen victories and pole positions in both the Championship and National classes.
Promatecme UK’s Steven Kane took a conclusive victory and a double pole position at the last rounds in Ireland three weeks ago and now he comes to his other ‘home track’ intent on showing the way home to his challengers once again.
The 25 year old, who lives just down the road in Milton Keynes and who instructs at the home of British Motorsport believes that he and Silverstone based Promatecme will be in good shape this weekend.
“We had a good race to 4th position here in August and everyone saw at Mondello, we can show that when it all comes together we are unbeatable,” said Kane. “It is very important for me to finish the season strongly and I don’t see any reason why we cannot add more wins this weekend.”
Kane has continued his winning habit since his Mondello Park success by storming to an impressive class win in the TAG/Heuer GT races at Brands Hatch two weeks ago at the wheel of a Porsche GT3.
Steven’s team mate, Charlie Hollings, suffered almost ‘Kanesque’ misfortune at Mondello Park last month when he was taken out of the National class lead by title favourite Salvador Duran. The Yorkshireman has scored 3 victories so far this season but is still hungry for more success in the remaining two races.
“I want 3rd in the Championship, that is my goal now, so I am just going to go out there and try my best,” said the Yorkshireman, who also pondered about his future on the run up to the final meeting of the year, after a strong first season in F3. “There is no decision so far on 2006, I am weighing up various options but it obvious to see that the Lola has been the car to have in the last few races.”
Danilo Dirani will be hoping to finish the season the way he started, with a brace of victories as he concludes his season this weekend. The Brazilian has just signed to the BAR Honda Formula One team as a test driver and he will be testing for the team shortly. After attending the recent Brazilian Grand Prix, Danilo received major publicity for his new role but for now is concentrating on finishing his F3 career off in style.
“The Lola is now quicker than the Dallara but what we have to watch this weekend is (Charlie) Kimball with the special Mugen-Honda engine,” said the Corinthians of Sao Paulo fanatic. “This season has been a real insight for me and been rewarding in terms of developing a new car. Although we are not as high up in the points table as we should be, I feel that we can finish the season with two really good finishes.”
Silverstone will also see the return of Ben Clucas to the National series after an enforced absence due to lack of funds. Again driving the Fluid Motorsport Developments Lola-Dome, the highly rated 21 year old will be out to impress once again after so far claiming a win (at Monza), a pole position and two other podium positions in just six starts so far this season.
Qualifying for rounds 21 and 22 takes place on Saturday at 11.10 and 14.20 respectively with the races at 11.15 and 15.30 on Sunday.
