FORMER RENAULT RACE WINNERS RETURN TO THE FOLD

COMTEC Racing is to make its Formula Renault UK comeback in 2006 after a year’s sabbatical in the French and Eurocup versions of the World’s biggest formula.

The team, which produced the UK championship’s 2004 vice-champion Westley Barber in its debut year, will only run one car with driver Pippa Mann (Saxmundham, Suffolk) also competing in the Formula Renault Eurocup.

“I want to concentrate on Pippa – give her the maximum attention,” said Comtec’s Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Lewis. “She’s been to the school of hard knocks over the last year and hopefully she’ll find it a little easier on home turf.”

Comtec has also been awarded a place in the massively over-subscribed World Series by Renault. Lewis plans to run ex-Formula Renault UK racer Susie Stoddart as well as an undisclosed second driver – possibly Formula Renault’s 2005 vice-champion Sean McIntosh who will be testing the 3.5-litre car in Valencia later this month.

Lewis’ aim is to have two female racers in the World Series by 2007  – a first in motorsport. “There’s no reason why not,” he said. “Pippa has improved dramatically over the last year and I think after another year she’ll be ready to make the move up. We’ve toughened her up and she’s driving a lot harder and finishing higher and higher. We’re expecting to be front-runners in the UK.”

Mann’s best finish in the UK championship was 17th in 2004. This year she improved on that in France, finishing 10th at Le Mans and in Eurocup she peaked at 14th but says her highlight was qualifying 7th at Donington Park. After a year of battling midfield she says she is ready to lead the pack.  “Midfield is a hard place to stay out of trouble,” said the 22-year-old. “I’m always trying to go forward and I’ve learned when to push and when to duck out. It’s about learning to live to fight another day.”

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