May
10
Howard Fuller: Strong opening FPA weekend
At Brands Hatch Indy this weekend I was very confident in being in the top ten. Practice Started on Friday – things didn’t go as to plan as I was 15th and 14th in the practice sessions. After looking though data and comparing with the fastest lap I then knew what I had to do. Qualifying on the Saturday was mixed between wet and damp conditions.
My goal was top ten and after changing tyre pressures halfway through the session managed 10th in the closing stages of Q1. Q2 went underway in the wet, lack of visibility was a big problem due to the spray, but secured 11th on the grid.
Sunday: I started the day early with a walk around Paddock, Druids and Graham Hill to check line and grip. Race One got underway and I got a flying start but got pushed onto the grass on the inside of Paddock and lost a few places pushing me back to 13th place. I battled throughout the race and with good use of the over boost button, that gives an extra 60 bhp for 6 seconds, made some great over takes into Paddock and made back three spots. Due to a few accidents on the track I gained another 2 places and finished in my best FPA finished 8th.
Race Two started from 11th position and got another great start, but heading up towards Druids got squeezed to the outside and lost some spots. After the first lap I was laying in 13th. However with some more great over takes into Paddock and being involved in the best and closest racing in the field I stormed into 10th.
The grid for Race Three was decided by the fastest lap times from races one and two but despite taking out 0.3 sec off my lap time it still wasn’t enough to get a top ten start but made 11th place again. A good start off the line and a good move for 10th place at the first corner and then another great move into Paddock for 9th got me into the top ten. Data for Race Three shows me with the third fastest lap time for race.
Overall a great weekend at Brands Hatch – with three top ten’s my objective I did it with some style and hard work. Our next meeting is at Snetterton, a circuit I know well, on 26/27 June – see you there.
Howard http://www.hkfracing.co.uk/