at Rockingham
FANS FLOCK TO ROCKINGHAM FOR BRITISH F3/GT CHAMPIONSHIPS
THE heat was on at Rockingham this weekend (May 30/31) as a bumper crowd basked in the beautiful sunshine as some of the world’s hottest young drivers showcased their talents.
More than four thousand fans flocked to the Northamptonshire circuit and enjoyed two days of first-class motor racing with the return of the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series & Avon Tyres British GT Championships.
Prior to the first race yesterday (Sunday), a one-minute silence was held in tribute to Formula 3 and Formula Ford JTR team owner Joe Tandy, who tragically died following a road traffic accident last month (May).
It proved an emotional weekend for the JTR team, in particular Joe’s brother Nick Tandy, who recorded his maiden British F3 victory in Round Five, and recorded the fastest lap in Round Six.
Top honours in Round Six went to 18-year-old Marcus Ericsson, guest driving with the Raikkonen Robertson Racing team, who claimed his first British F3 victory after early race leader Riki Christodoulou was blacked flag.
There was also high-drama in the British GT Championship, with Barwell Motorsport’s pairing of Joe Osborne and Olly Bryant registering their first victories in their Ginetta G50Z to take top honours in the invitation class.
Hector Lester and Allan Simonsen in their Rosso Verde Ferrari took the GT3 class honours in Round Five, but 17-year-old Dan Brown put in a superb drive in Round Six to return to the top of the points table with Gregor Fisken in the Momo-backed Rollcentre Mosler.
The British Formula Ford Championship, Texaco Havoline Ginetta and Volkswagen Racing Cup provided excellent support to the title races along with 150mph paint-swapping action from the 2009 Pickup Truck Championship.
There was also plenty for all the family to enjoy off the track, including the traditional pit lane walkabout and autograph sessions as well as entertainment from Corby Radio, face painters, temporary tattooist and Rockingham simulators.
Rockingham Director Charlotte Orton, said: “This is the third year we have hosted the British F3/GT event, and once again the fact the fans can see all the drama unfold in front of them at Rockingham proved a major draw.
“We couldn’t have asked for better weather and we were delighted so many people turned up and we hope they enjoyed the two-days of non-stop racing action from both the title races and supporting cast.”
The next race meeting at Rockingham will be the British Racing Sports Car Club (BRSCC) meeting over the weekend of July 18/19. Fans who attended this weekend’s meeting can get in for just £10 on the Sunday race day with their British F3/GT ticket.
Along with the Pick-up Trucks, the BRSCC meeting offers the very best British club racing with the LMA Euro Saloon & Sport Cars, Alfashop Alfa Romeo, Formula 3 and Porsche 924 championships, Motor Lawyers Fiat Racing Challenge and the Open Sportscar Series.
Spectators can save up to 20 per cent on adult admission prices by booking in advance from .rockingham.co.uk/events.
Advance prices are £18 for the weekend, £12 for Sunday or £8 for Saturday. Children aged 15 or under get in free. If you’re not online, they can also be booked by calling the ticket hotline on 01536 500500.
Adult tickets will be available on the gate and will cost £20 for the weekend, £15 on Sunday, and £10 on Saturday. Fans will have the opportunity to get close to the action as general admission includes access to an open paddock and a grandstand seat.
