Atech Reid GP drivers took race one by storm at the brand new Snetteron 300 circuit today. Starting from the second and third rows on the gird, Tio Ellinas and Jack Hawksworth secured Atech Reid GP’s first 1-2 of the season after a thrilling debut on the new layout.
After qualifying in a solid 6th position in qualifying one yesterday, Oscar King was looking to move up the standing order quickly. Pushing to the limit on cold tyres Oscar ran wide slipping to 13th position, eventually finishing the race in 11th .
“I was really looking for a top five result in race one and so I pushed that little bit too hard on the first lap and spun.” Oscar stated “ I was able to get back on track and overtake a couple of drivers to finish 11th .”
Dan wells managed to move in the right direction in race one, capitalizing on the misfortunes of his fellow competitors in both races.
“This weekend is about learning the circuit.” Dan stated. “I have been pushing myself but I want to come out of this weekend in one piece for the remainder of the season. A coupe of guys ahead of me are pushing a little too hard and were coming off the track. Little by little we are improving in this category so I am content.”
Race two provided no shortage of overtaking with all Atech Reid GP drivers fighting hard for track position. After encountering electrical problems yesterday and being unable to set a qualifying time, Jack Hawksworth was charging through the pack from last spot on the grid. Overtaking three cars on the first lap Jack ran wide of the exit of turn seven, clipping a safety barrier causing significant damage to the left hand side of his car, prematurely ending his race weekend triggering a safety car period.
“I took a little more room than necessary on the exit of the turn, but not by much and I just clipped the huge barrier on the exit of the ripple strip.” Jack stated. “For a single-seater race car the box is very dangerous not only because of the size of the thing but, we are also much more exposed as compared to a tin top car. I am surprised more of us didn’t have the same problem. Up until then I was doing really well overtaking a couple of guys really pushing for a good result. None-the-less we will fix the damage and look forward to the next race at Silverstone in a couple of weeks.”
Dan Wells and Oscar King were in the thick of the action during race two, making up considerable track position. Dan made headway to finish the race in 11th , meanwhile after an assertive drive up to 6th position mid-race tyre trouble once again saw Oscar once again ran wide to finish the race in 13th position.
“I suppose everyone has these weekends.” Oscar stated. “I was up to 6 th at one point during the race so we will look at the data when we get back to the workshop and figure out the balance issues. I am really looking forward to racing at Silverstone so we will work for better results there.”
Tio Ellinas continued his front running form, putting considerable pressure on the cars ahead of him. Setting the fastest lap of the race, the Cypriot was not going to give up any points and was pushing for track position.
“I was in third and was catching Will for second, it was a good battle.” Tio stated. “I made a pass into the hairpin on turn two with a few laps to go but he made the undercut and from then on no matter how hard I tried, I was unable to get past. Coming away from this weekend with two podiums is a great result for the team but we need to continue to push hard for championship points.”
The next round of the championship continues at Silverstone circuit in 13 days time.
