Lola’s Formula Three drivers travel to Knockhill in Scotland this weekend for the latest rounds of the 2005 British Formula Three International series. The next two weeks see a crucial time for this seasons protagonists as immediately after the Scottish encounters come further rounds at Thruxton in Hampshire.
Danilo Dirani, Steven Kane and Charlie Hollings will all be hoping to put behind them the recent Croft races and look forward to renewing their focus on race wins at the sinuous 1.3 mile track near Dunfermline, Fife.
Promatecme driver, Steven Kane, despite only coming away from Croft with 2 points, is confident that better times are ahead for his Neil Brown prepared Mugen-Honda engined chassis.
The 24 year old Ulsterman who was recently confirmed as an official Marlboro backed driver for the Masters race at Zandvoort next month, is determined to show his race winning credentials this weekend, saying. “ It is time for us to start being in the top three at least, and we must start doing that consistently. We have a great team around us and I love the track because there is absolutely no margin for error and it really tests the reflexes.”
Danilo Dirani, having lost the series points lead at Croft after being recklessly taken out of race one by Dan Clarke, is buoyant after an intensive test at Snetterton last week.
“We had probably the best test since I signed to drive for P1 Motorsport,” said the Brazilian. “ We did over 250 laps and for the first time we had really good and consistent conditions and we learnt so much about the car. Knockhill is a very different circuit to others and is like a rollercoaster, but the fact that there are such a variety of tracks is what makes it such a special series. Roly (P1 team boss – Vincini) and the boys did a great job here last year when Ernesto (Viso) won the race, so I am confident of being at the front and scoring more big points this weekend.”
Charlie Hollings, driving the national class Promatecme Lola-Dome cannot wait to get to Knockhill after a dominant display during qualifying at Croft where he took two clear poles. Despite the Yorkshireman’s self-acknowledged driving errors in the races, Charlie believes that there is no point in dwelling on that race, instead he is more determines than ever to score his debut win in Scotland.
“I will be approaching Knockhill exactly the same way that I approached Croft,” said the 23 year old “We know that we are quick enough after Croft where I was well ahead of the rest on pace. I know why and how I made my mistakes and I feel that it could be the turning point for my season.”
“I love the track because you can really attack it and pick the car up by the scruff of the neck,” he continued. “Danny Watts wasn’t at this race last year so it will be very important for us to maximise the test day on Tuesday.”
Charlie also believes that with the tight confines of the Fife track, that the quickest national drivers may be able to mix it with the championship class racers. “The engine advantage will not be as great at Knockhill so it would be nice to be in amongst the championship cars. However, the focus will be on my nearest challengers and getting some serious points to catch up Salvador (Duran), Barton (Mawer) and Josh (Fisher) in the table.”
The Knockhill weekend starts on Saturday with qualifying for the races scheduled for 10.50 and 14.40 respectively. Both races are on Sunday with race one starting at 10.00 and race two at 15.30.
