BLANCHARD TAKES CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD IN THE UK
25 March 2008
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After impressing in practice Blanchard qualified on the front row next to Jamun Racing team mate Wayne Boyd on Saturday, then had the unusual experience of having a day off to think about things before returning to the track for three races on Monday.
Qualifying:
The British series uses a differing approach to qualifying than the Australian series in which Blanchard was the 2007 champion:
• Each of the three races in a weekend counts as a round of the championship, where as three races each weekend make up a single round in Australia
• Each driver’s fastest lap in qualifying makes up grid positions for round one
• Each driver’s second fastest lap in qualifying determines grid position for round two
• Fastest lap posted by each driver during round two determines grid position for round three
“To qualify just a tenth of a second off pole position at my first round was a very pleasing result, it gave me confidence that I could mix it with the best and it was only in the last few minutes of qualifying that I was pipped by Boyd for pole,” explained Blanchard.
“It definitely was quite strange to have a day off between qualifying and racing and in adapting to the differing qualifying positions.”
Racing:
Blanchard’s British Formula Ford race debut began in awesome fashion taking the lead for a two lap period, before team mate and pole sitter Wayne Boyd reclaimed the lead.
Eventually crossing in second position after a red flag prematurely ended proceedings, it was a healthy start to his UK title aspirations.
Again starting from second on the grid for round two, Blanchard had some problems with the front end set up of his Jaylec Mygale but was able to battle through to secure second position with Boyd streaking to victory.
The third and final race on Monday produced the best result of the day for Blanchard, and some of the most unusual conditions he will ever encounter on a race track.
After falling to fourth position at the first corner, Blanchard pulled off two stunning passes to sit behind leader Wayne Boyd and showing his set up problems a race earlier had been rectified.
However nothing could have prepared the young gun for what was to come, sections of the Oulton Park circuit covered in snow during the final race.
With Blanchard applying pressure from second place, race leader Boyd fired off the track in the wet conditions and Blanchard claimed his maiden UK victory and the Championship lead in the process.
“To be leading the championship is just unbelievable, there is a long way to go but this gives me a great deal of confidence for the season ahead,” he said.
“The car showed some good speed but I have never raced in the snow before, and on slicks I can tell you it was not an easy task.
“If I can keep up my consistency as I did last year it will go a long way towards a good Championship result.”
Australian Motorsport Foundation driver Tim Blanchard continues the series at Knockhill on 12/13 April.
Tune in to Melbourne radio station SEN 1116 between 7-9am Sunday 29 March to catch Tim Blanchard in his role as UK motorsport correspondent.
Provisional championship points:
Blanchard 84 points; 2 Boyd 78; 3 Sorensen 77; 4 Brown 57; 5 Stuteley 48; =6 Hamilton & Maliepaard 42
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