WINTER SUCCESS AIM FOR SEB AFTER STRONG EUROPEAN DEBUT
WRDA member & highly rated single-seater racer Seb Morris is targeting a
successful start to the 2012 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter Series at
Brands Hatch this coming weekend, 20th/21st October, off the back of a
highly competitive European debut at Spa-Francorchamps just a couple of days
ago.
Taking the opportunity to make his bow in the Formula Renault 2.0 Northern
European Cup during the category’s season finale at the famous Belgian track
last weekend, the 16-year-old Welshman starred in difficult, wet conditions
during the second of the event’s races – finishing 11th overall from a grid
of 36 experienced competitors despite running on slick tyres.
(Photo on left was taken during testing)
Rainfall just prior to the start meant the choice of Michelin rubber would
be crucial and while the Fortec Motorsports team was confident a gamble on
slicks would pay dividends, conditions didn’t improve as expected.
Leaving a huge challenge ahead for Seb in only his second race
at the wheel of a current specification FR 2.0 chassis, he fought his way
through the order brilliantly from 16th on the grid and ran as high as ninth
before eventually having to settle for a, nonetheless terrific, 11th place.
“Spa was an amazing experience”, commented Seb, “Race two was fantastic, it
was a massive challenge with slicks on a wet track – only the second time in
my career I’ve done that – but it was amazing to almost come away with a top
10 finish on my debut weekend in Formula Renault NEC.”
Now, the focus turns to the four-round Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter
Series with a return to the older specification Tatuus FR 2.0 chassis Seb
steered to third overall in the main championship in his debut season of
single-seater racing.
Remaining with Fortec, the Abbey Gate College A-level student will go into
the four-round Winter Series as a top contender and undoubtedly one to watch
having secured five victories so far in his first year of ‘slicks and wings’
competition.
“Hopefully we’ll have a really good Winter Series, I’m going into it aiming
to challenge for every win possible and have a really strong end to the
year”, said Seb, “I think doing well in the Winter Series could actually be
more important for me than the main season, as everyone looks at what you’re
doing at the end of the year for the following season.”
Following officially timed testing on Friday, 19th October, qualifying for
rounds one and two of the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter Series will
take place on Saturday, 20th October, at 09.00 and 12.45 with the first race
of the weekend beginning at 16.10.
On Sunday, 21st October, round two is scheduled to start at 13.10 and will
be screened live on Freeview, digital satellite and cable channel ITV4, on
ITV4 HD and with the addition of live online streaming at
www.itv.com/btcc
Photo Chris Schotanus/Essay Produkties
