Charlie Robertson scorched to his fourth victory of the 2012 Ginetta Junior Championship season during round 12 at Snetterton in Norfolk on Sunday, 12th August, to close to within just 18 points of the top of the standings.While delighted to return to the podium summit for the first time since his memorable double win at Thruxton back in April, this weekends visit to East Anglia still proved to be bittersweet in part for the 15-year-old after being punted out of the opening race while leading.Expectedly on the pace from the off, Charlie was quickest in testing on Friday, 10th August, and much faster than anyone in the brief free practice session on Saturday, 11th August, where he set a best time 0.5 seconds clear of his closest challenger.In qualifying though, he had to settle for second on the grid for both rounds 11 and 12 after just missing out on pole position by the smallest of margins a mere 0.002 seconds and 0.014 seconds respectively in each case.Race two was the obvious highlight of the weekend as the Investigo and Ria Capital Markets-backed driver latched on to early leader Sennan Fielding and produced a superb move into the Esses on the outside of his rival to brilliantly grab first place.Immediately opening up a healthy advantage, by the end of lap one Charlie had a 1.5 second lead over Niall Murray. During the second half of the six lap encounter, Fielding and Murray started to squabble fiercely over second enabling Charlie to push on and take a near four second victory.In the earlier 11th round, the Caterham School pupil surged into the lead at the first corner, Riches, after a terrific start and opened a significant 1.5 second advantage before being reeled back in by the noticeably rapid car of Ollie Chadwick.Electing not to fight an attempted pass by Chadwick at Agostini on lap three, Charlie was content to bide his time and sit in the wheeltracks of his rival but he started to be held up and so decided to try and re-take the lead, which he did successfully, on lap four with a great move at the Esses.Just three corners later though, at the chicane, Chadwick hit the back of Charlies car which instantly knocked the HHC Motorsport driver off the circuit. He did manage to recover, albeit down in seventh, but mounted a superb recovery to claim fifth at the finish. He also had the consolation of the fastest race lap, and new lap record, 2m15.196 seconds (79.05mph).Its great to win again and it was definitely a good way to end the weekend after what happened in the first race, said Charlie, I thought [Sennan] Fielding might be more of a contender but when he and [Niall] Murray started battling it paved the way for me to get away at the front. As soon as I saw them starting to hold each other up it was my opportunity to push and build a gap.I always seem to be one of the drivers getting caught up in other peoples mistakes this year, I dont know how many times weve had to say well bounce back this season but weve done it again this weekend and were closer to the top of the championship as well. The car felt great all weekend, the team has done a really good job as always so a big thanks to them for all their hard work.Next on the agenda for Charlie is the annual visit north to his family home of Scotland for rounds 13 and 14 of the Ginetta Junior Championship, over the weekend 25th/26th August, at Knockhill in Fife.2012 Ginetta Junior Championship Driver Standings (after Rd12):3rd Charlie Robertson, 297pts
Click here for the Official Charlie Robertson web site - designed and built by Racecar
