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Ebbesvik is rewarded Driver of the Day at Silverstone
The UK Formula Ford Championship visited the home of the British Formula 1 Grand Prix this weekend of the 14 th August. With a near capacity grid of 34 cars qualifying, rounds 15 and 16 would prove to be crucial races for Team JLR's Joe D'Agostino and his quest for the Championship crown.
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Thor-Christian Ebbesvik at Silverstone this weekend |
Joined by competitors from the Avon Tyres Clubmans FF1800 Championship and the Silverstone Motorsport Academy-run BRDC Single Seater Championship, the potential for some exciting racing was there, and it delivered. In particular, Team JLR's Thor-Christian Ebbesvik showed his ever-developing talent in fighting his way through the field during race one from 26 th position to an 11 th place finish after he dropped back due to a high speed spin. Ebbesvik was battling for position with newcomer James Littlejohn when the pair made contact on the Hanger Straight.
The Norwegian was then awarded driver of the day for his efforts and for coming home in 6 th position after a trouble-free race during race two of the day, but with Littlejohn large in his mirrors.
Qualifying in second place for both races - ahead of championship leader Charlie Donnelly, Joe D'Agostino was focused on closing the gap at the top of the championship points table. On route to a second place behind Duncan Tappy, fortune was elsewhere for D'Agostino as the gearbox of his Van Diemen failed on the penultimate lap forcing him to retirement.
Race two and the young Floridian - with a repaired gearbox - battled throughout with Tappy, taking the lead on lap three with a repeat of Nigel Mansell's famous move on Nelson Piquet in 1987 at Stowe. However, Tappy got back ahead at Priory a lap later. Crossing the line in second place, D'Agostino's championship rival Donnelly endured mechanical problems himself and finished down in 22 nd position.
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Jonny Baker (left) on the podium |
Farnham Common's Jonny Baker completed both of his races in second position for the Scholarship championship, and two 8 th places overall.
A fourth driver also joined Team JLR this weekend - Ed Tilley, aged 21 from Warrington. Tilley is destined for the British Formula Three International championship next season, and will compete in the remaining rounds of the UK Formula Ford Championship to upgrade his racing drivers licence. Tilley - after just one test session in a Formula Ford car, coming from 2 years racing a Renault Clio and 10 years of karting experience, brought the car home in 26 th and 28 th place respectively.
With a maximum of 128 points available over the next four rounds, the fight for the championship title is sure to provide plenty of excitement at Snetterton in 6 weeks time.
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