BLANCHARD GAINS GROUND IN RACE FOR BRITISH CROWN
27 May 2008
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Blanchard battled valiantly to pull off a remarkable come from behind victory in torrential rain during the weekend's opening race, after starting from pole he spun at the opening corner only to make up the positions and take victory in some of the most difficult conditions he has ever raced.
"The rain was just unbelievable and to recover like that and win the opening race was hard work but I didn't want to throw away pole position so I was extremely relieved to get the victory," explained Blanchard.
"I just ran into a huge amount of water at the first corner and lost control, I rejoined in fourth position and was able to get back into third by the end of the opening lap.
"After that I just put my head down and was able to pass Glen Wood and then Wayne Boyd spun and I was able to get the victory but the conditions were awful you literally could not even see the lights on the safety car when it was deployed."
Race Two saw Blanchard lead from the outset in dry conditions, his Jaylec Mygale showing some serious pace as he posted his second lap record of the Championship with a 1:21.392.
The AMSF International Rising Star looked to have the race sewn up only to be denied a second race win for the weekend when Jamun Racing team mate Boyd tried to pass on the final lap; the two came together and handed a victory to Chris Maliepard.
Blanchard recovered well to finish third with Boyd crossing sixth helping Blanchard further reduce the point's gap in the race between the team mates for the Championship.
Rain again played a part in the final race of the weekend, and it was Blanchard and Boyd at it again at the front of the field.
Less than a second separated the two as Boyd took victory, though it wasn't easy going with Blanchard hot on his tail for the entirety of the race.
"It would have been awesome to get the win in that final race, but I did all I could and kept the pressure on, overall it was a very productive weekend at Rockingham.
"It was a great weekend for me, I was able to close the gap and really show that the Championship is well and truly still up for grabs.
"I am always learning over here and it has been a fantastic experience so far, to be in with a shot at the Championship after the half way mark is a fantastic opportunity," said Blanchard.
Blanchard currently sits in second position in the race for the Championship and has now cut the series points gap to just 36 at the half way stage.
The series moves to Snetterton on the 7-8 June.
Provisional results
British Formula Ford round 12 (of 25)
Rockingham 25/5/2008. 8 laps / 15.52 miles
1, Tim Blanchard, AUS/Victoria, Jamun/Mygale, 16m 38.612s
2, Wayne Boyd, GB/Templepatrick, Jamun/Mygale, +2.652s
3, Chris Maliepaard, NL/Nagele, Getem/Mygale, +6.325s
Round 13 / Rockingham 26/5/2008. 12 laps / 23.28 miles
1, Chris Maliepaard, NL/Nagele, Getem/Mygale, 19m 11.584s
2, Victor Correa, BRA/Sao Paulo, Jamun/Mygale, +1.650s
3, Tim Blanchard, AUS/Victoria, Jamun/Mygale, +2.321s
Fastest lap: Blanchard 1m 21.392s / 85.80mph Record
Round 14 / Rockingham 26/5/2008. 11 laps / 21.34 miles
1, Wayne Boyd, GB/Templepatrick, Jamun/Mygale, 19m30.762s
2, Tim Blanchard, AUS/Victoria, Jamun/Mygale, +0.925s
3, Victor Correa, BRA/Sao Paulo, Jamun/Mygale, +11.172s
Provisional championship placing
Overall 1 Boyd 377 points; 2 Blanchard 341; 3 Correa 235; 4 Linton Stuteley (GB/Hitchin/Getem/Mygale) 229; 5 Maliepaard 225; 6 Hamilton 201 etc.
Scholarship: 1 Findlay 266; 23 Palmer 234; 3 Jones 204 etc.
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