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Rounds 9 and 10 report from
Croft
The second half of the Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin got underway this weekend (17th July 2005) at Croft circuit in North Yorkshire.
With Stephen Simpson on line for his first win during round 8 at Oulton Park, a feeling of optimism was in the air. However, with a poor qualifying session on the Saturday, it was going to be a battle.
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Tom Kimber-Smith at Croft |
Race one on the Sunday was fairly uneventful but with all drivers crossing the line in an improved position to their qualifying grid slot. Tom Kimber-Smith had a good start from 12th position and made up a place by the second corner and tried to fight his way through the field - managing to come home in 10th place.
Simpson also gained a place off the line and then by going around the outside of Sean McIntosh was then able to take 8th place by the end of the first lap. Furthermore in fighting for position, overtaking Yelmer Buurman on the first corner and then James Jakes after the Team AKA driver made a mistake. Simpson completing his race in an impressive 6th position from a 10th place grid slot.
Futher down the Field, Jodie Firth had a poor start after being held up off the line by some slow starters, and was unable to close a gap that ensued in front of him. Jason Tachinci completed his 14 lap race in 16th place after a battle with Jeremy Metcalfe.
Race two and Kimber-Smith was the only Team JLR driver to take the chequered flag, finishing in 13th position.
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Jody without a nose |
Simpson was having a good race, until in an attempt to overtake Cheng Cong Fu, the two drivers made contact and Stephen retired from the race - minus his front wing.
Jody Firth also had to retire to the pit lane after losing his nose cone after a contact.
Snetterton is next on the race calendar over the weekend of August 6th and 7th
Formula Renault UK Championship provisional points after round ten:
1st Jarvis:263, 2nd Hohenthal: 220, 3rd Jakes: 204, 4th McIntosh: 192, 5th Hogan: 179, 6th:Storckenfeldt: 168, 7th Hall: 166, 8th Gonzalez: 152, 9th Buurman: 142, 10th Kimber-Smith: 113
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