Rounds 17&18 - Rockingham Preview
Rockingham could be a crunch event for the Formula BMW UK Championship as Philip Glew (Soper Sport), Tim Bridgman and Josh Fisher (Motaworld - Quantexe Racing) fight for the coveted drivers' title. Although anyone in the top six points places has a mathematical chance of winning the title, in reality the champion is likely to be one of these three.
The last time the drivers were at the Northamptonshire track was for a cold test day in February when they had to wait for the snow to be brushed away. Things will be a lot hotter this time in many ways. Josh Fisher is hoping that he will be one of those having a good weekend as he is coming from behind in his title attack after several disappointing retirements at the beginning of the year.
"I am trying not to think about the championship as I believe that was why I didn't do so well at Brands Hatch. I am going for a win at Rockingham as I want to take more victories than any other driver," he said. Josh is one of the drivers who has raced at Rockingham but, as they have ten different circuit configurations, it was not on the 2.443 mile International Circuit as he explained: "I was a totally different circuit, but obviously I was on this one for the test day. It is a great facility and the circuit is fun to drive on as you get a bit of everything and I particularly like the chicane."
In the run up to Brands Hatch several drivers had more than racing on their minds as their GCSE exam results were due. Matt Harris found out his results the day before qualifying and since then several other drivers have had theirs. Ross Curnow (Panther Motorsport), who is well in the lead of the Rookie Cup, was one of those and his AS results were in the words of his father 'ok'. However, he was not quite so successful in another area that is very important to him, as he has failed his first attempt at passing the driving test!
Visitors to Rockingham will not be able to miss the BMW branding at the track. This is because the circuit is the home of the BMW Performance Centre. This gives members of the general public as well as BMW dealers and their customers the chance to book sessions to drive most of the cars in the manufacturer's range. At any one time there will be more than 100 BMW models at the venue.
The first part of the selection process to nominate the Scholarship drivers for 2005 started in Valencia in the middle of August. Twenty drivers were chosen to return to the circuit on the 28th and 29th September for the Scholarship Qualifying. Under the watchful eye of instructors Andy Priaulx, Jörg Müller and Mike Strotmann the youngsters will be put through their paces, and at the end of the two days BMW GB will award five scholarships and BMW Ireland one. UK Chief Instructor, Andy Priaulx, was impressed with what he saw: "Although many of the drivers have had very little experience in racing cars, it is impressive to see how fast they improve and how hungry they are to learn." The drivers are from all parts of the UK as well as Spain and Dubai, and a full list can be obtained from Carlo Wiggers at BMW GB.
For the only time this year the Formula BMW UK Championship races will not be part of the TOCA Tour package. At Rockingham they will be part of the Days of Thunder race meeting and included in the day's entertainment is a concert by the very successful all girl group Mis-Teeq.
In Rockingham free practice will be on Friday (3rd September) from 09.30 to11.00 and 14.00 to 15.30. On Saturday (4th September) first qualifying will be from 09.30 to 09.50 and second qualifying from 13.45 to 14.05. The two 14 lap races will be held on Sunday (5th September) at 10.00 and 14.00.
Key Facts
Winners: Josh Fisher 4, Tim Bridgman 2, Philip Glew 2, Simon Walker-Hansell 2, Joao Urbano 2, James Sutton 2, Ross Curnow 1, Stian Sørlie 1.Pole Positions: Josh Fisher 4, Stian Sørlie 3, Philip Glew 2, Joao Urbano 2, Tim Bridgman 1, James Sutton 2, Ross Curnow 1, Matt Howson 1.
Podiums: Philip Glew 9, Tim Bridgman 8, Josh Fisher 5, Joao Urbano 7, Stian Sørlie 5, James Sutton 6, Simon Walker-Hansell 2, Christian Bakkerud 2, Ross Curnow 2, Ollie Smith 1, Matt Howson 1.
Championship Points: 1. Philip Glew 178.5, 2. Tim Bridgman 168, 3. Josh Fishers 152, 4. Joao Urbano 138.5, 5. James Sutton 121.Rookie Wins: Ross Curnow 10, Sam Bird 3, Jordan Wise 2, Dean Smith 1.
Rookie Podiums: Ross Curnow 13, Sam Bird 12, Jordan Wise 9, Marcos Vilhena 6, Jack Goldstraw 5, Dean Smith 3.
Rookie Points: 1. Ross Curnow 248, 2. Sam Bird 202, 3. Jordan Wise 172, 4. Dean Smith 141, 5. Jack Goldstraw 139.5.
Team Points: 1. Fortec Motorsport 228, 2. Carlin Motorsport 219.5, 3. Soper Sport 186.5, 4. Motaworld - Quantexe Racing 153, 5. Panther Motorsport 122.5.
