The countdown to the start of the 2011 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship officially began today, Friday, 18th March, as the series hosted its first ever media day at the world-famous Silverstone circuit.
An impressive 18 drivers, with even more expected, took the opportunity to introduce themselves to the attending media before the opening rounds of the season at Donington Park on 23rd/24th April.
Organisers also used the event to unveil two new initiatives for the one-make single-seater series beginning with the announcement of a new hospitality suite for drivers, teams and sponsors. Operated by leading suppliers Williams Hospitality Ltd, the new race centre is a first for the series offering competitors even more value for money.
The second was the announcement of the Championship’s exclusive Driver Fitness Programme run by the Lotus Renault GP Team giving drivers a direct link with a Formula 1 outfit.
The day also coincided with official pre-season testing for the Championship with Antel Motorsport’s Dino Zamparelli once more topping the timesheets with the Bristol teenager posting a best time of 55.432s (106.44mph average) around the 1.64-mile track. There was little to separate him though from nearest rival Archie Hamilton as the Hook racer, driving for Fortec Motorsport, ended the day a mere 0.332s off the pace.
Scorpio’s Hector Hurst, from Lymington, again showed good pace throughout the four timed sessions as did Hillspeed’s latest signing Howard Fuller. Hillspeed also impressed with Telford’s James Theodore who was testing in the absence of Sean Walkinshaw (due to exams) and remains a possibility for the series.
Many of the Championship’s newcomers were also able to gain good mileage with the likes of Antel Motorsport’s Callum Bowyer, MTech’s James Thorp, MGR Motorsport’s Matt Mason and SWB Motorsport’s Macaulay Walsh and Jack Dex all gaining ground.
With still a month to go before the start of the season, many teams also indicated the possibility of further driver signings with 21-year-old Kieran Vernon, who attended the day, among those to have expressed an interest.
Commenting after heading the timesheets in testing Zamparelli said: “Today was a good session and both Archie [Hamilton] and I got good runs on new tyres so these times are hopefully a good representation of our pace. We’ll probably do a few more tests between now and the opening rounds but so far I’m pleased with how things have gone.”
Championship Promoter Simon North added: “Our first media day has certainly been a great success and the 2011 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Series looks set to be a fantastic season. We’re very pleased to be able to offer our teams and drivers added value with measures such as our new hospitality suite and everyone is looking forward to getting the season underway.”
The opening rounds of the season take place at Donington Park on 23rd/24th April.
ENDS
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