Formula Ford: Silverstone Review (Podium)

Filed under: Formula Ford, Reviews on April 13, 2009

Despite a miserable and wet Easter Sunday in Northampton, yesterday reaffirmed that we are making progress towards the front of Formula Ford this year with a third place finish and inaugural podium at the opening round of the Midland South Formula Ford 1600 championship.

The decision to race this weekend was taken very late. Without being able to afford to test on the Friday preceding the race, our rationale for competing was to use the seat time as an extension to last weekend at Anglesey. And ironically, despite being a Silverstone ARDS instructor, I have never actually been around the International circuit. For these reasons, it was important to be circumspect about our prospects and concentrate on how the car and I perform, rather than an arbitrary result.

Sunday was a typically wet and greasy morning at Silverstone. The circuit has an unusually impermeable track surface which sees water remain for long periods even after rainfall has stopped. There is also a significant build up of rubber which rises to the top and leaves a greasy and challenging level of grip rivalled only by Donington Park in similar conditions.

Qualifying was an adventure to say the least. Conditions were at their worst for the day and I was heading into the unknown on a circuit I did not know. It was also the first time I had driven the car in anger under wet conditions. None the less, we qualified 5th and under these circumstances, this probably wasn’t a bad result.

Thanks to the Bookers for the use of their awning this weekend.

By the time of the race, it had stopped raining but with overcast skies and no wind the circuit remained wet. I made a decent start from the third row and was almost alongside the leaders heading into Copse corner for the first time. I lost out on the exit, getting very out of shape and rounded out the first lap in fourth position, narrowly missing an accident behind me into the Abbey hairpin for the first time.

After a few laps I worked out a way past Jim Morris for third position, getting a better exit from Luffield and going around the outside of the Van Diemen RF05 at Woodcote corner. From this point on, I pushed hard for a number of laps to put a gap between myself and the chasing cars and whilst I was able to keep a constant distance from the two leaders, I was not able to make any dent into their already substantial lead. At this point I decided to ease off a little bit, even though the conditions were improving, maintain the gap to the chasing cars and concentrate on bringing the car home. As the circuit began to dry in places, I realised I had no real reference points at all for braking, turning and cornering.

So after a long day, we ended with our first podium in Formula Ford and much more progress with the car. Every time we have been out on track, we have improved both the performance of the car and I am beginning to feel more comfortable in the category. Overall, both Ian Gough and Matt Shawyer were quicker this weekend but having tested on the Friday (in similar conditions) and having raced on the circuit before, I guess this is to be expected. Third doesn’t seem so bad.

You don’t find these at Monaco. Getting trophy from Peter Ritchie, Midland South Co-Ordinator.

The next race weekend is May 3rd at Snetterton for rounds three and four of the National Formula Ford 1600 championship. Personally, I am feeling confident for this weekend and I am optimistic that it will be first weekend we will be able to properly challenge at the front of the field and possibly even for a win.

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