Atech Reid GP will start from the front row of the grid for today’s second round of the 2011 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship at Brands Hatch. Cypriot teenager Tio Ellinas posted the second fastest time in second qualifying and will also start the opening race from row two with the third quickest lap. His young team-mate Oscar King will line up 12th and 11th for the two races, which support the prestigious Dunlop MSA British Touring Car Championship.

The pair carried out testing on Friday, ahead of today’s two qualifying sessions, finishing second and ninth, and today were happy with the performances as they kick of their 2011 race season. Despite being blocked in both sessions, Ellinas remains confident of a good finish , while King is hopeful of at least a top eight finish.

Tio Ellinas: “I’m pretty happy with third and second for the two races. I was blocked on my fast lap in both sessions by two different drivers and without that I know I could have been on pole so the pace is obviously there. In the races I’ll just be patient and see how the race develops, and hopefully we can at least pick up a podium finish in each race.”

Oscar King: “I was happy with my sector times but I just couldn’t string them all together which was a little disappointing. We were quite quick yesterday but for some reason just couldn’t reproduce that today. It’s hard to pass here but I’ll be aiming for a top eight finish. You can never predict what will happen in the races as it’s so competitive, but I’ll do my best.”

Team Principal David Hayle: “It’s a great way to start the first race weekend, Tio was on the pace from the start and was unlucky not to get pole for both races after being blocked on his two flying laps. Oscar was quick in each sector but we never got those times together on one lap, however he showed a lot of promise today so we head into tomorrow’s races hopeful of a good result for them both.

The two 24 lap races get underway at 10.25 and 16.05