Leading Formula Renault BARC entrant Russell Racing heads to Silverstone National Circuit next weekend, 21st/22nd July, aiming for yet another season’s best performance during rounds five and six of the championship.Having seen steady progression from its four drivers during the first three race meetings of the year at Donington Park, Croft and Oulton Park, the aim now is for the team – which has recently moved into new premises in Warwickshire – to secure its maiden top six finish of 2007 at the Northamptonshire venue next weekend.Manchester racer Mark Gillibrand has achieved Russell Racing’s best results so far this season, eighth position during the fourth round of the campaign at Oulton Park Island Circuit four weeks ago the highlight so far.The team’s trio of Bahraini drivers, Menasheh Idafar, Essa Mohammed and Mohamed Al A’li, all of whom run under the Middle East-Russell Racing banner, are each improving every time they go out on circuit and even though all three are in their debut season of racing in the UK, each has shown great promise so far in the headline FR2000 Class.Looking ahead to the ‘double-header’ fifth and sixth rounds of the Formula Renault BARC season, Russell Racing team owner Tim Russell said: “It’ll be good to be back at Silverstone, we’re all looking forward to it and we’re confident we could see another season’s best performance from Mark.“He is getting closer and closer to the front-runners as the championship progresses and we know he’s hungry to be a regular in the top six. Menasheh, Essa and Mohamed will each have a big learning curve ahead of them next weekend as it’s another circuit they’re totally unfamiliar with but hopes are high for some solid results.”Idafar and Al A’li enjoy Brands Hatch test runMenasheh and Mohamed both enjoyed the benefit of additional track time at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit last week, Tuesday, 3rd July, when Russell Racing joined teams from the sister Formula Renault UK Championship during a day of exclusive testing at the Kent venue.The two sessions gave both drivers some useful knowledge of the 1.2-mile circuit ahead of the ninth and 10th rounds of the Formula Renault BARC season which will be held at Brands Hatch on Sunday, 26th August, and Bank Holiday Monday, 27th August.Speaking on the test outing, Russell Racing’s Matt Russell said: “It was a good day and we ran problem free really which ensured Menasheh and Mohamed both had plenty of track time. The only issue was the ever-changing weather.“We know where both drivers were losing time and we’re confident when they get that part of the lap right they’ll both improve by a second or more each. It was an enjoyable test and we’re looking forward to Silverstone now. It’s another circuit which will be new to our drivers but we’re hopeful of a strong showing.”

The second double-header of the 2007 Formula Renault BARC season, rounds five and six, will take place at Silverstone National Circuit in Northamptonshire next weekend, 21st/22nd July. Three 30-minute sessions of pre-event testing are scheduled for Friday, 20th July.