Atech Reid GP continued its run of success in testing for the 2011 Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship at Snetterton today, with championship leader Tio Ellinas leading the way in two of the four sessions at the Norfolk track. Dan Wells, in only his second appearance with the Cardiff-based team, was an impressive fifth fastest in session four and overall just ahead of a superb performance by fellow Briton Oscar King who posted the sixth fastest time in the final session to finish sixth in the combined times.
Tio Ellinas: “I was very happy with the morning sessions, it’s always good to be fastest! In the final session I just got pipped by Lynn who got a tow, which gave him an extra four tenths of a second. Apart from that though it was a good day, and I’m generally very happy with our pace again today and looking forward to the next rounds.”
Dan Wells: “I’m relatively pleased with today, I didn’t get the best run on new tyres but made good progress throughout the day. We had a few gearbox issues, left over from Thruxton, but managed to resolve those by the end of the day, so I leave here quite positive ahead of the next rounds, which are on my favourite track. I won’t predict anything for Oulton Park but I’m certainly hoping track knowledge will be on my side and help me get into the top half of the grid.”
Oscar King: “I’m happy with the day overall, I had a bit of an off in the first session, which damaged the front wing, giving me lots of front downforce but pretty edgy in the corners. Things improved throughout the day although I really feel we should have been even quicker than sixth as I didn’t have the perfect set-up for the new tyres. I’m looking forward to Oulton now, it’s my favourite circuit, but I have no expectations ahead of the race weekend.”
Team Principal David Hayle: “It was a pretty straightforward test today, no problems, and it’s very encouraging to see Dan and Oscar right up there in the top six. We’ve got used to seeing Tio at the top of the times now but it’s still always good to be fastest in two of the sessions which means we head into the next rounds feeling confident. Dan and Oscar drove particularly well today, they are both so inexperienced and to be fifth and sixth so early in the season will be a great boost to them and increase their chances of a strong finish when we head to Oulton Park next month.”
The Atech Reid GP team returns to racing action with the fourth meeting of the season, rounds nine and ten, at Oulton Park, Cheshire over the weekend of 4/5 June.
