Thursday 26 May 2011

ALAN WINS A MEGANE COUPE CABRIOLET THANKS TO RENAULT AND TOMTOM!


News from S J COOK AND SONS

For immediate release: Wednesday, 26th May 2011


GORDON’S ALIVE! 

Alan Medcroft from Stoke Gifford will never get lost again after winning one of three prize Mégane Coupé-Cabriolets in a nationwide competition run by Renault and TomTom!

Alan collected his prize from S J Cook and Sons this week and his Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet proved to be the perfect top prize in a national ‘Voice of TomTom’ competition run by Renault and TomTom to find people with great voices for satellite navigation.

To enter the competition, participants were invited to record their traffic stories onto a 30-second video, before putting it up on social networking site Facebook, with Alan’s entry winning an online vote.

The competition accompanied the recent announcement that actor Brian Blessed’s distinctive and mellifluous voice is now available on TomTom satellite navigation, including Renault’s own fully-integrated Carminat versions of the popular systems.

Best known for his role as Prince Vultan in the film Flash Gordon, he recorded his voice for TomTom after a Facebook campaign called "get Brian Blessed to do a voiceover for my sat nav" attracted more than 25,000 fans. The campaign, started by motorist Richard Gardner from Manchester, is thought to be the first time a product has found its roots in social media. 

Alan was hailed one of three winners who have all won themselves the stunning Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet  which offers integrated TomTom LIVE navigation system as standard on the Renault Dynamique TomTom range.
Their voices have all been professionally recorded and are now available as free downloads from TomTom.

James Webb, sales manager at S J Cook and Sons in Kingswood, Bristol, said: “Gordon's Alive! Congratulations to Alan on winning this great prize. It was lovely to meet him and hand over the keys to the Mégane Coupe-Cabriolet. He has a great voice and we’re thrilled to meet someone that, along with Brian Blessed, has had a hand in ‘saving every one of us' from getting lost!”

A clip of the entertaining recording session is available to watch at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FMiLQwKLSQM. Meanwhile, Brian Blessed’s recording, which contains gems such as "Toll Charge.  Give them the exact money and tell them to keep the change" and "You've reached your destination.  Congratulations.  Onwards and upwards! To Everest next, and the North Pole,” can be downloaded from the official TomTom website, /www.tomtom.com, for £7.95. Customers should check which devices allow voices to be downloaded on the website.  

Carminat TomTom, the industry’s first truly affordable built-in satellite navigation system, was launched by Renault in January 2009. It is now fitted as standard to the Dynamique TomTom and Privilège TomTom trim levels of each bodystyle in the standard Clio, Kangoo, Mégane, Scénic, Laguna ranges, plus the core trim levels of the Kangoo, Trafic and Master van ranges, for no additional cost. The system is also available as a £460 option across most other trim levels, including Renaultsport, of these same car and van ranges. 

For more information on Renault click onto www.renault.co.uk or www.twitter.com/renault_uk or www.facebook.com/renaultuk

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  1. Alan Medcroft pictured with James Webb, sales manager at Renault dealer S J Cook and Sons Renault and his prize Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.

Wednesday 25 May 2011

RACE WINNER THEODORE TO MAKE WELCOME RETURN AT OULTON

Official Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship News...

For immediate release: Wednesday, 25th May 2011

James Theodore (Telford, Shropshire) will make his long-awaited return to action in the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship at Oulton Park in Cheshire this coming Saturday, 28th May, having agreed an 11th hour deal with MTech Lite.

The 19-year-old, a Motorsport Engineering student at Oxford Brookes University, has been struggling to secure the budget to continue his single-seater career since finishing third overall in the category last year.

During the last couple of weeks though, Theodore has been able to acquire enough funding to allow him to race in rounds five and six this weekend and to also contest the season finale at Silverstone in October where Formula Renault BARC will support the British Touring Car Championship.

As part of his preparations for a return to the track Theodore – who will also compete at Oulton Park in support of Cancer Research UK – was given the opportunity earlier this week to enjoy a run on the GP3 Series driver development simulator of crack-squad MW Arden.

“It’s brilliant to be back”, he commented, “We’ve been working really hard to try and get money from here and there and we’ve now managed to secure enough contributions to do this weekend at Oulton and then the final rounds at Silverstone which will be prime coverage with the BTCC.

“We’re not home and dry yet with the funds for the other two events at Croft and Thruxton but, to be honest, it’s a relief to be back out at all so I’m really looking forward to this weekend. MTech has done a very good deal for us – I can’t wait to get in the car now and see what we can do.”

Making his car racing debut in Formula Renault BARC during the finale of the 2008 season, Theodore went on to win that year’s Winter Series title for Hillspeed with three victories from four races. He remained with the team throughout 2009 and 2010, last season his best yet with three race wins, six podiums in total and five pole positions en-route to third in the championship.

His last-minute deal with MTech Lite for this weekend means the Derbyshire-based squad will field two cars for the first time in 2011, Theodore partnering current championship leader James Thorp (Evesham, Gloucestershire).

Team principal Dave Moore said: “We’re obviously really happy to have James on-board, he’s had budget issues but has managed to get a few people behind him now which is great. His experience will definitely help push us all on. James Thorp has been fantastic so far this season but we’re hoping he and James Theodore will push each other on more and help put MTech on the map.”

Qualifying for rounds five and six of the 2011 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship will take place at 09.30 this Saturday, 28th May, with the first race of the weekend set to begin at 12.05 and the second encounter scheduled to get underway at 16.15.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, the championship is additionally supported by ELF, Michelin and NGK Spark Plugs.

ENDS

Note to editors:
Copyright free image of James Theodore attached courtesy of Jakob Ebrey Photography; more available at www.jakobebrey.com/renault
Full results and timings available at www.tsl-timing.com

Championship Media Officer:
Marc Orme
Tel: +44 (0)7920 886985
Email: marc@grovewood.co.uk

Issued by Grovewood PR, P.O. Box 1416, Beaconsfield, HP9 9AP

RELAXING SHOPPING TRIP FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER THANKS TO S J COOK & SONS RENAULT!



News from S J COOK AND SONS

For immediate release: Wednesday, 25th May 2011

RELAXING SHOPPING TRIP FOR ONE LUCKY WINNER THANKS TO S J COOK & SONS RENAULT!

Pam Jones of Hanham took the opportunity to put her feet up when she won a chauffeur-driven shopping trip and £100 spending money, courtesy of Bristol Renault dealer S J Cook and Sons!

She was collected from her home by S J Cook and Sons’ sales executive James Bealing in a Clio Renaultsport 200 and taken to the best shops in Bristol.

After her shopping spree, the shopping was loaded into the spacious boot of the Clio Renaultsport 200, which is one of the three cars in the Renaultsport range. S J Cook and Sons chose the car to celebrate the recent honour of being chosen as one of Renault UK’s specialist Renaultsport dealers.

Pam stocked up essentials after winning a prize draw held by S J Cook and Sons at Sainsburys in Emerson’s Green just before the recent royal wedding.

James Webb, sales manager at S J Cook and Sons Renault, added: “We had a great time and Pam is another fan to add to the growing list of Renaultsport fans.  The shopping trip was tremendous fun and we’re delighted that a worthy winner won the top prize!”

For more information visit S J Cook and Sons on Station Road Kingswood (0117 957 9700) or City Motors on Pioneer Park (0117 972 3030) or visit www.carcogroup.co.uk

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  1. Shopping trip prize winner Pam Jones from Hanham collects her £100 prize at S J Cook and Son from James Bealing.


MOTORLINE CANTERBURY EARNS ITS RACING STRIPES BY BECOMING A RENAULTSPORT SPECIALIST

NEWS FROM MOTORLINE
 
For immediate release: Wednesday, 25th May 2011

MOTORLINE CANTERBURY
EARNS ITS RACING STRIPES BY BECOMING A RENAULTSPORT SPECIALIST

Renault dealer Motorline in Canterbury collected a special award this week after the dealership was officially recognised as a Renaultsport Specialist.

The recognition was presented by Renault UK and now sees the Broad Oak Road dealership offer its customers a dedicated Renaultsport centre, providing hot hatch fans with all their Renaultsport needs in one place.

Alongside the dealership’s existing Renault services, motorists will be able to access all three award-winning Renaultsport models as well as call upon the expert knowledge and advice of Renaultsport Sales Expert Richard Obee, himself an enthusiast of the French brand’s iconic performance arm.

Together with Richard, Aftersales Expert Glenn Griffin, will help provide customers with a bespoke Renaultsport after-care service handling all servicing, accessory and merchandise requests.

Richard and Glenn, can be contacted direct via phone or email by new or existing customers to help answer any general Renaultsport queries they may have or to receive expert advice on either past or present models. 

The current Renaultsport range comprises of the flagship Mégane Renaultsport 250, the Clio Renaultsport 200 and the Twingo Renaultsport 133. For the second consecutive year, all three models have won ‘Best Hot Hatch’ in each of their respective price categories in the annual What Car? Car of the Year awards with the Mégane Renaultsport 250 winning the overall ‘Best Hot Hatch’ of the year – again for the second year in a row.

Indeed, the popularity of the Renaultsport range is clear to see with last year’s worldwide sales seeing an increase of 78% (on 2009) with UK dealers only second to France in terms of total global sales.

Richard, Renaultsport Sales Expert at the dealership, said: “We’re really looking forward to showing customers around the Renaultsport range as we know they’re going to be just as impressed with them as we are, and also the UK’s motoring press.

“It helps having some great driving roads in the area too, as well as Brands Hatch, allowing owners to experience the full potential of the Renaultsport range and how impressive they are both on the road and the race track.”

Renaultsport Aftersales Expert Glenn said: “Our Renaultsport service extends right from the initial test drive through to caring for your Renaultsport in the future. All Renaultsport models are highly-tuned machines requiring that expert touch and genuine Renault parts so our approved workshop caters for just that.”

Adrian Spratt, Sales Manager at Motorline Canterbury, added: “As part of our celebrations, we’re inviting local Renaultsport owners – be it an original Renaultsport Spider to a brand new Mégane Renaultsport 250 – to drop by the dealership for a free, no appointment, safety check for their car.”

For more information, visit Motorline Renault on Broad Oak Avenue, in Canterbury, or call 0844 822 7104 or click onto www.renaultsport.co.uk

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CAPTIONS:

  1. From left, Glenn Griffin (Renaultsport after sales expert) and Richard Obee (Renaultsport sales expert) at Motorline Canterbury with the range of Renaultsport cars.

Notes to editors:
·        Motorline Canterbury is one of only a select few Renault dealers in the UK and 300 in the world to have been made a Renaultsport Specialist.
·        Renaultsport is a separate division of Renault and is not only in charge of the concept, production and sales of Renault’s performance road cars and competition vehicles, but also organises owner events and motor racing.
·        For further information on the Renaultsport line-up click onto www.renaultsport.co.uk


Monday 23 May 2011

WORLD CHAMPION NEIL HOLMES BACKS PANTHER TO SUCCEED

Multiple World Champion Neil Holmes is 100 per cent convinced the new P1 Panther 28SS boat will succeed in dramatically improving the sport he loves after trialling it extensively in the Solent.
Neil has now had the chance to test the Panther in a variety of conditions and firmly believes the new boat is just the shot in the arm national powerboat racing needs.
“It’s a great boat, well built and rewarding to drive but perhaps the best feature from a racing point of view is that it demands team work from both the driver and co-pilot, in fact the navigator’s skill in trimming the settings on the fly is really going to pay dividends”,  he said.
He believes the SuperStock front-runners will be the best combination of driver and co-driver. “They are really going to have to work hard as a team in the boat, which is fantastic news as it means the human element will define the winners rather than the amount of budget the team has as its disposal”, he said.
London-based promoter Powerboat P1 is close to revealing the identity of the teams who will compete in the 28ft sport racer ahead of the opening round of the five-race UK SuperStock Series which starts in Jersey on June 11/12 and finishes in Liverpool on September 10/11.
“I can’t wait for the opening round in Jersey”, said Holmes. “Seeing a bunch of Panthers cutting through the waves together is going to be an awesome sight and a genuine thrill for the teams and race fans.”
The P1 Panther 28SS is powered by a 250+hp Evinrude engine propelling the boat to speeds of up to 70mph in flat water. Its lower centre of gravity provides greater stability and improved handling.
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For further media information please contact Simon North, Grovewood Public Relations Ltd on 07979 498559 or email press@powerboatp1.com

Saturday 21 May 2011

PANTHER UNLEASHED IN SOUTHAMPTON!

Powerboat P1 successfully demonstrated the new P1 Panther 28SS boat at Ocean Village in Southampton last weekend 20/21/22 May.

The London-based promoter unveiled the 28ft sport racer to the media ahead of the opening round of the five-race UK SuperStock Series which starts in Jersey on June 11/12 and finishes in Liverpool on September 10/11.
Journalists and drivers were invited to put the boat through its paces on Southampton water with help from multiple world powerboat racing champion Neil Holmes.
The P1 Panther 28SS is powered by a 250+hp Evinrude engine  propelling the boat to speeds of up to 70mph in flat water. Its lower centre of gravity provides greater stability and improved handling.
Powerboat  P1 Management Ltd, the rights-holder for the championship, has introduced the new boat and one-make class of racing into its flagship SuperStock Championship this year to broaden the appeal of powerboat competition.
“When you’re racing with the same boat, same engine and same performance, the only difference between winning and losing is the driver and navigator in the boat,” said P1 Chief Operating Officer Robert Wicks.
The Panther will be raced in both the UK and the United States but Powerboat P1 is currently in negotiation with promoters in Europe, Scandinavia, the Middle East, Far East and South America about rolling out internationally in 2012.
Wicks said: “Our goal is to create sustainable national championships around the world where drivers and teams can compete in a cost-controlled environment. Ultimately, we expect to be able to bring the best crews together for a genuine World Championship and give the drivers a world ranking.”
The versatile Panther is designed for dual purpose, so it can be raced then turned into a leisure boat for its next outing by simply removing the rear cowling.
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For further media information please contact Simon North, Grovewood Public Relations on 07979 498559 or email press@powerboatp1.com

Friday 20 May 2011

OULTON PARK CHALLENGE UP NEXT FOR FORMULA RENAULT BARC

Official Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship News...

For immediate release: Friday, 20th May 2011



Oulton Park Island Circuit in Cheshire hosts the fifth and sixth rounds of the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship next Saturday, 28th May, and as the 2011 title battle reaches its midway point things couldn’t be much closer.

With four winners from the first four races and just 17 points covering the championship top five, it’s anyone’s guess who will leave the picturesque parkland track in the box seat as the season rapidly develops into a real classic.

James Thorp (Evesham, Gloucestershire) continues to lead the driver standings following last weekend’s outing at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit. Despite a second place finish in round four though, the MTech Lite racer wasn’t all that satisfied so he’ll be aiming to get back on the winning trail.

Dino Zamparelli (Bristol) surged into title contention at Brands, largely thanks to his first victory of the season in round four, and is now just 11 points adrift of Thorp. The Antel Motorsport racer is one of the most experienced of the front-runners and this could well come into play at one of the UK’s most challenging circuits.

Kieran Vernon (West Chiltington) added his name to the list of winners with a tremendous drive under pressure from Fortec Motorsport team-mate Josh Webster (Stowmarket, Suffolk) during round three. He’s a little way off the championship leaders though due to a non-finish in round four, caused by a spectacular excursion off the circuit when his throttle stuck open.

Webster is the other of the four winners and after the disappointment of a non-finish himself during the season opener at Donington Park, two strong finishes at Brands mean he’s only six points adrift of Zamparelli. In between those two in the points table are Archie Hamilton (Hook, Hampshire) and Steven Durrant (Oxford), each having started the season with four consistently good performances.

One of the highlights of the second weekend of the season was a maiden category podium for London-based Kourosh Khani (Ealing), the first driver from Iran to ever stand on a Protyre Formula Renault BARC rostrum. With confidence high, he’ll be challenging for more silverware at Oulton.

As next weekend’s event takes place on a single day, there will be one 20-minute qualifying session for rounds five and six with each driver’s fastest lap setting the grid order for the first race and second quickest times determining the starting positions for race two. Qualifying will begin at 09.30 on Saturday, 28th May, with round five following at 12.05 and round six at 16.15.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, the championship is additionally supported by ELF, Michelin and NGK Spark Plugs.

Provisional 2011 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship Points (after Rd4):
1st - James Thorp / MTech Lite  99pts
2nd - Dino Zamparelli / Antel Motorsport 88pts
3rd - Archie Hamilton / Fortec Motorsport 86pts
4th - Steven Durrant / RPD Motorsport 83pts
5th - Josh Webster / Fortec Motorsport 82pts
6th - Kieran Vernon / Fortec Motorsport 73pts

ENDS

Note to editors:
Copyright free image attached courtesy of Jakob Ebrey Photography; more available at www.jakobebrey.com/renault
Full results and timings available at www.tsl-timing.com

Championship Media Officer:
Marc Orme
Tel: +44 (0)7920 886985
Email: marc@grovewood.co.uk

Issued by Grovewood PR, P.O. Box 1416, Beaconsfield, HP9 9AP

Wednesday 18 May 2011

CHANCE TO WIN A NEW CAR AT CALLOW MARSH HEREFORD’S “MEGA SALE” OPEN WEEKEND 4-5TH JUNE!


NEWS FROM CALLOW MARSH

For immediate release: Wednesday, 18th May 2011


One lucky Herefordshire motorist could be driving away in a brand new Renault Clio simply by entering the “guess the winning registration number!”

The competition is just one attraction at Renault dealer Callow Marsh’s “Mega Sale Open Weekend” on Saturday, 4th June from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, 5th June from 10am to 4pm.

As well as great offers on new and used cars and the chance to win a brand new Renault Clio Bizu 1.2 16v 3dr worth £8,850.00, there’s also a lucky dip and a prize draw to win great prizes simply by purchasing a new or used car over the weekend.  Prizes include a portable DVD player worth £400.

Customers can enjoy a hog roast and refreshments and the chance to talk to staff about great summer options such as the Wind Roadster or Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet.

David Harry, Renault sales manager at Callow Marsh, said: “This really will be an exciting weekend and the chance to win a new Clio is an opportunity not to be missed!

“We’re looking forward to meeting people and hope customers will join us for a hog roast and some great offers and competitions. The weekend will also give visitors the chance to come and view some of the models from the Renault range in a relaxed atmosphere and chat to our friendly staff about arranging a test drive or ordering a new Renault.”

For more information, visit Callow Marsh Renault on Ross Road, the Callow, call 01432 842000 or log onto www.callowmarsh.co.uk

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CAPTIONS:

  1. This Renault Clio could be yours in Callow Marsh’s open weekend competition!


Tuesday 17 May 2011

RENAULT STAFF AT LOOKERS CHESTER ‘FIX IT’ FOR YOUNG RENAULTSPORT FAN

NEWS FROM LOOKERS CHESTER

For immediate release: Tuesday, 17th May 2011



Renault dealer Lookers Chester took on the role of Jim’ll Fix It recently after fixing it for school pupil and automotive enthusiast Ben Jones to visit the dealership.

Ben, aged 14, lives in Altrincham and attends the Altrincham Grammar School for Boys in Bowdon, Cheshire. Ben recently wrote to Renault UK to ask for advice on the best way to get into a career in the motor industry, in particular motorsport and mechanical engineering.

When his local dealer Lookers Chester heard about this, General Manager Duncan McPhee was only too happy to invite Ben and his father Graham down to the Sealand Road dealership to learn first hand the skills required.

During their day Ben and Graham enjoyed a personal tour of the dealership by Duncan before meeting some of the expert technicians who talked Ben through what’s involved in the job including how he could apply to become a trained Renault apprentice.

With the dealership one of only a handful of selected Renaultsport Specialists, the day also included meeting the Renaultsport team and of course viewing the award-winning Renaultsport models – a particular interest of Ben’s. For the second year running, all three of the models in the Renaultsport line-up have been won the ‘Best Hot Hatch’ award in their respective price categories in the annual What Car? awards. The flagship Mégane Renaultsport 250 has also won the magazine’s prestigious ‘Best Hot Hatch’ of the year award for the second consecutive time.

Before home time Ben was also treated to some complimentary Renault goodies as well as some free tickets to a Formula Renault BARC race meeting – one of Renault’s many top single-seater motor racing championships.

Graham Jones said: “Ben has literally been gobsmacked by Renault’s response to his letter and couldn’t wait to visit the dealership. We both had a great day and it has given Ben a massive lift and focus at school.”

Duncan McPhee, General Manager at Lookers Chester, added: “We’re delighted we could help Ben out today and also with his chosen career path. He has great enthusiasm for the industry and wish him all the very best for the future.”

For more information on Lookers Chester visit the dealer on Sealand Road, call 01244 390009 or click onto: www.lookers.co.uk/renault.

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CAPTIONS:

1.    Ben Jones pictured with David Cooper, sales manager at Lookers Chester.
2.    Ben Jones with Renaultsport technician Darren Parry at Lookers Chester.



VERNON & ZAMPARELLI MAKE IT FOUR WINNERS FROM FOUR RACES

Official Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship News...

For immediate release: Monday, 16th May 2011



Kieran Vernon (West Chiltington, West Sussex) and Dino Zamparelli (Bristol) took their first wins of 2011 at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit on Sunday, 15th May – making it four winners from the opening four rounds in the ultra-competitive Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship.

Vernon’s richly deserved round three success marked his landmark maiden victory since graduating to Formula Renault BARC at the start of the season. For category returnee Zamparelli, his first win of the year rocketed him into second place in the driver standings – up from fifth in the table.

With overtaking notoriously difficult for ‘slicks and wings’ single-seaters on the 1.2-mile Kent track, and with little to choose between the front-runners, Vernon headed a Fortec Motorsport podium lock-out in the first race of the weekend ahead of Josh Webster (Stowmarket, Suffolk) and Archie Hamilton (Hook, Hampshire) – the top three unchanged throughout from their grid positions.

Disappointment unfortunately followed for Vernon in round four though when his throttle stuck open when heading down from Druids into Graham Hill Bend – leading to a heavy impact with the tyre barriers and an instant retirement.

“Today I’ve felt every emotion”, he said, “The first race was perfect, it was great to take my first win of the season. I was going really well in the second race but then my throttle stuck open at Graham Hill Bend and there was nothing I could do to stop from slamming into the tyre wall.”

Round four delivered a similarly unchanged outcome from grid order although Zamparelli’s winning margin was more substantial, three seconds clear of championship leader James Thorp (Evesham, Worcestershire). Kourosh Khani (Ealing, London), meanwhile secured his maiden podium in third for Scorpio Motorsport – the 21-year-old making history as the first Iranian driver on the series rostrum.

“I’m really happy with my first podium, which is also the first for a driver from my country and I think I can now really challenge to stay among the top three”, he said at the conclusion of the weekend.

In terms of the driver standings Thorp now holds a slightly decreased 11 point lead ahead of Zamparelli with Hamilton third, a couple of points further adrift, and Steven Durrant (Oxford) down to fourth despite a couple of impressively committed drives this weekend – rising from 13th to eighth in round three and eighth to a fantastic fourth in round four. Only 17 points now cover the top five.

Vernon takes maiden win and new lap record...
Saturday morning’s round three qualifying session certainly underlined the competitiveness of the championship and it simply couldn’t have been closer at the front with Vernon securing his maiden pole position by the slimmest of margins, just 0.005 seconds to be precise.

The original race start to Sunday’s third round was nullified due to a couple of stalled cars on the grid but at the next attempt, Vernon led away and although under major pressure from Webster – who in turn had Hamilton in close company behind – the leader held firm.

On lap nine, the Safety Car was deployed but the interlude was brief – three laps – and racing resumed at the beginning of the 12th tour. Nothing changed among the lead trio while behind, in fourth, Khani was enjoying a strong run having leapfrogged Howard Fuller (Kingston-upon-Thames).

Vernon managed to increase his advantage slightly to just over a second during the final few laps and on the 17th tour he posted the new lap record of 45.427 seconds (95.72mph). Webster took an excellent second, 1.9 seconds clear of Hamilton in the end – both confirming their title credentials.

Khani was only 0.2 seconds shy of the podium with Fuller equalling his season’s best of fifth, Zamparelli coming through to sixth – from eighth – and Zaamin Jaffer (Cardiff) rising from eighth to seventh. Sixth place starter Victor Jiminez was forced out on lap one.

Zamparelli shows class with dominant round four win...
Round four qualifying turned the order of the first session on its head, underlining the importance of securing a prime grid slot. Zamparelli bagged his second pole of the season by 0.1 seconds from a much improved Thorp with Khani a tremendous third, Vernon fourth, Hamilton fifth and Webster sixth – the latter having problems with a dislodged floor which cost him vital track time.

Antel driver Zamparelli wasted little time in opening up a sizeable cushion at the front, ending lap one a second to the good before pulling further clear. Driving impeccably, he took the chequered flag three seconds ahead of Thorp who just managed to keep Khani at bay during the closing stages.

Durrant leapt from eighth to sixth on the first lap to once again display his overtaking prowess and after going fifth on lap two, his impressive rise was complete on lap 11 when he moved into the top four – albeit at the expense of Vernon who crashed out spectacularly with his sticking throttle.

Webster finished fifth, over-turning team-mate Hamilton, with MGR’s Matthew Mason (Nottingham) an exceptional seventh for a career-best result. Fuller, who lost ground at the start from seventh on the grid, finished eighth ahead of fellow Hillspeed runner Jaffer who raced very well from 12th on the grid. The top 10 was completed by MGR youngster Russell Danzey (Sheffield).

Race winner Zamparelli commented: “On the grid I really focused on making sure I didn’t get too much wheel spin and that worked as I made the perfect start. I got my head down and put in some fast laps to build a lead and then concentrated on keeping a gap between me and James (Thorp) who I could see had a fight on his hands. It’s great to get my first win of the season as it takes me up to second in the points, so my season really starts here.”

Thorp added: “Brands is my weakest track so I knew it could be a tough weekend and it didn’t start well in qualifying as I struggled to find the pace I had at Donington. I’m relieved to still be leading the championship and I’m looking forward to the next rounds at Oulton Park as it’s my favourite circuit.”

Rounds five and six of the 2011 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship season will take place just under a fortnight from now on Saturday, 28th May, at Oulton Park Island Circuit in Cheshire.

Along with headline sponsor Protyre, the championship is additionally supported by ELF, Michelin and NGK Spark Plugs.

Provisional 2011 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Championship Points (after Rd4):
1st - James Thorp / MTech Lite 99pts
2nd - Dino Zamparelli / Antel Motorsport 88pts
3rd - Archie Hamilton / Fortec Motorsport 86pts
4th - Steven Durrant / RPD Motorsport 83pts
5th - Josh Webster / Fortec Motorsport 82pts
6th - Kieran Vernon / Fortec Motorsport 73pts

ENDS

Note to editors:
Copyright free images attached courtesy of Jakob Ebrey Photography; more available at www.jakobebrey.com/renault
Image One: Rd3 Podium (l-r) Josh Webster, Kieran Vernon and Archie Hamilton surrounded by the victorious Fortec Motorsport team
Image Two: Rd4 Winner Dino Zamparelli

Full results and timings available at www.tsl-timing.com

Championship Media Officer:
Marc Orme
Tel: +44 (0)7920 886985
Email:
marc@grovewood.co.uk

Issued by Grovewood PR, P.O. Box 1416, Beaconsfield, HP9 9AP