With Podium Hopes From Oulton Park Test‏Atech Reid GP's Tio Ellinas staked his claim on a podium slot following a strong test session before before this weekend's racing at Oulton Park in the 2011 Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship.

Ellinas was second in yesterday afternoon's test and third in the combined times. Dan Wells was also on a charge, lying fourth the afternoon and finishing the day in seventh with the morning time included. 

Oscar King sustained slight damage to his car in the afternoon session, in which all three drivers used their new tyres, so missed improving his position above twelfth.

Oulton Park hosts the seventh and eighth rounds of the Championship, in which Cypriot Ellinas is currently second and fighting for the lead. Oscar King and Dan Wells are looking to move up the table from their respective 8th and 12th positions. Atech Reid GP are currently second in the Teams' standings.

Tio Ellinas: "Today was basically very good. I was on the pace and in the second session we were looking at set-up for qualifying. Our aim is for 'P1' tomorrow." 

Oscar King: "I struggled a little in the first session. Then in the second it was better and I was up to seventh when I had a crash so I missed out on setting a good time on new tyres. Tomorrow will be better."

Dan Wells: "I got a good run on old tyres this morning. The balance felt good and on new tyres it just got better and better. It's a good start to the weekend and I'm looking forward to qualifying."

Team Principal David Hayle: "Tio is doing well battling for the Championship and he has had a positive day with good prospects for qualifying tomorrow. Oscar could have been up there too if he hadn't had his 'off' but he has time tomorrow to show what he is capable of. Dan is improving, and it showed with his excellent result in the second session, so we are hopeful that all three will put in some good times tomorrow to get decent positions on the grid."

The team returns to track activity with two 20-minute qualifying sessions on Saturday at 10.25 and 14.45. The weekend's 15-lap races will take place on Sunday at 13.00 and 17.45.