KANE AND HOLLINGS TAKE DOUBLE PROMATECME POLES IN SPA
Lola’s Formula 3 drivers experienced the highs and lows of qualifying for the latest rounds of the 2005 British Formula Three International series at Spa Francorchamps over the weekend. With one dry and one wet session, the F3 grid produced maximum excitement in thrilling qualifying sessions. Sadly, both races were forced to be cancelled as thick fog made racing conditions too dangerous. Both races will be re-scheduled for later in the season, keeping the qualifying times from the Spa weekend.
While session one brought frustration for both Danilo Dirani (10th) and Steven Kane (16th), the second wet session saw Kane take an exceptional first Championship class pole position by just five hundredths of a second. It was a red-letter day for Promatecme UK and Lola, as they celebrated their first ever double pole position, with Charlie Hollings capturing the national class top spot in his yellow and black Lola-Dome F106/04. These performances ensured that Lola built cars have taken three poles from the opening two meetings of the season.
Kane, who has barely tested his Lola B05/30 since the season began was ecstatic to start from the front and timed his lap perfectly to confirm pole position. “That was mega,” grinned the Ulsterman. “We were unsure about how the car was going to react after changes we made after qualifying and also a few we made when the red flag came out during the session itself. But it all worked and I was able to find some room on the circuit while others were bunched up. All in all it was a terrific result for the team and I. We just have to make sure that we follow this through whenever the races are added to the calendar.”
Chris Weller wore what was undoubtedly the biggest smile in the paddock on Saturday afternoon, as he not only saw Kane take pole in the championship class but also celebrated Charlie Hollings taking his debut pole in the national category. “A great day for us,” understated the experienced team boss. “It is the first time we have taken pole in both classes and hopefully it is the first of many. The team did a fantastic job in qualifying and both Charlie and Steven are getting stronger with every lap.”
Charlie Hollings has always been something of a ‘Rainmaster’ and his skills came to the fore this afternoon as he took a convincing pole. “I was able to get some good clear laps towards the end of the session,” said the Yorkshireman. “If anything, I think we could have gone quicker and maybe have got in to the top 6 overall. Naturally it is disappointing not to race but we can take a lot of positive things away from this weekend.”
Danilo Dirani was ultimately frustrated in the wet session, as he had been in the first as he struggled with the balance of his P1 Motorsport run car. The Brazilian who took a sensational double win at Donington two weeks ago would have started 10th and 9th respectively in the races.
The 2005 British Formula Three International series protagonists re-convene at Croft on 7/8 May.
