Wednesday, May 30, 2018

Strong Showing By Infinity Drivers In Junior Formulas

From Thruxton to Snetterton, and across at Lausitzring, the Infinity single-seater squad have putting in some stellar performances. We look back on what’s been a fruitful foray of pole positions, trophies and impressive improvements.

FIA FORMULA 4 CHAMPIONSHIP

Thruxton (Round 3)

Under beating sunshine at Thruxton, it was the turn of Paavo and Sebastian to put their skills to the test in the next round of FIA Formula 4 Championship. Teaming up with Double R Racing, we joined the guys trackside for another set of fantastic team results.

Qualifying in P5 and P3 respectively, offered Paavo a solid start point to make up ground in the race. Whilst Sebastian’s strong top ten qualifying positions, proved his improving form.

Taking to the track for Race 1, Paavo put up a challenge from the off, serving up some tasty battles with Simmons, Pasma and Hoggard throughout the race. With Simmons finding a way by to take P3, it was a matter of judging his move to take the position back. His opportunity came on the final lap, when he put the power down to retake the final podium spot and another valuable haul of points. Confident in his pace and the car beneath him, the Finn didn’t stop there. As Race 2 got underway, avoiding the frenzied battle which saw many others coming together, Paavo dashed through the chaos to pull himself up into 3rd behind teammate Jewiss. But when the leader slowed on the final tour of the circuit, it promoted the pair to the team’s first 1-2 of the season, Paavo’s 2nd place sealing his best result to date.

With two overall podiums and two rookie wins, Paavo’s form continues to improve, we’re sure that elusive win is just around the corner.

With a solid team result for Double R Racing, despite some unfortunate tangles on track, Sebastian equally celebrated his best result with a 8th place in Race 2.

"The boys in F4 showed once again the potential that they can achieve good results in this championship. Paavo was again on the podium and once he can find the consistency over a full race weekend I’m sure he will move forward in the championship. Sebastian is improving all the time and in terms of speed he’s getting closer to the leaders." Commented Gary Catt

BRITISH F3 - Snetterton (Round 3)

Away from the glamour of Monaco, we enjoyed a thriller of a weekend out at Snetterton, as Nicolai (Kjaergaard - Carlin) and Pavan (Ravishankar - Double R Racing) were out on track in the BRDC British F3 championship.

Hitting the ground running, Nicolai put in a storming lap to claim pole position on Saturday morning, setting his lap time midway through the session. The Dane was untouchable as the session drew to a close, with eyes firmly on the prize as he looked ahead to take another victory as the race got underway. Managing the race with ease, he pulled a second gap from title rival Lundqvist to take his second lights-to-flag victory of the season, starting his weekend off in style. Battling back from disappointment in Race 2, where although managing to gain 10 places on the first lap, he was forced to retire. With fresh tyres and a point to prove in the final race, Nicolai put in a storming drive to challenge Lundqvist throughout the 10 lap race on Sunday afternoon. Unable to find the right opportunity to make a move, Nicolai settled for second place just 0.3s behind the leader. Taking another podium, some shiny silverware and a strong haul of points to boot.

Enjoying his strongest weekend to date, Pavan collected 24 points across the three hard-fought races, pulling some great overtaking moves on his way. With a strong P7 finish in Race 2, we’re sure his hard work will transform into some more great point-scoring weekends to come.

Singing the boys praises director Harry Soden commented: "I was really pleased with Pavan this weekend, to record his highest finish of the championship to date and hold his own in a very competitive field is credit to his hard work, I know he can’t wait for Silverstone now. Nicolai is going from strength to strenth and is consistently at the front and winning races and right in the battle for the championship.”

ADAC FORMULA 4 - Lausitzring (Round 3)

Away from the British paddocks, Olli Caldwell continues to impress in his dual ADAC & Italian F4 campaign. Taking to the wheel of his ADAC challenger, Olli showcased his formidable spirit as he battled through a tricky weekend to add another trophy to his cabinet.

Qualifying 7th and 4th respectively, the Prema driver was ready to push forward in the races. Improving to 6th place in Race 1, Olli gave a great chase with his sights set on another podium scoring position. But with an earlier incident causing a spill of fluid on the racing line, all his hard work was undone, as Olli became just a passenger as he skidded into the barriers. Never one to dwell on lost opportunities, the resolute racer refocused to making up ground in the remaining races. His chance came in Race 2, when rocketing from 4th on the grid he placed himself in 2nd, holding his own as the pack piled into turn one. Relentlessly holding off the challenge from behind, the Brit was given slight breathing space with the appearance of the safety car, but before too long the pressure mounted once more in what would be one final lap shootout to the flag. Defending expertly, leaving just enough racing room, Olli held off all of Lawson’s advances. But with a flat out drag race to the line, his rival narrowly pipped him to the line, taking 2nd place by less that a tenth of a second. However, a trip to the podium certainly made up for the lost points in Race 1, before his weekend was sealed off with another point scoring final race with a hard earned 7th place.

With a week to catch his breath, Olli will back tackling the Italian powerhouse of Monza in Italian F4 on 2-3 June.