2016 Pirelli Ferrari formula classic - Brands Hatch Indy - Race 2

What a fantastic weekend at the Festival Italia weekend at Brands Hatch, Kent.  Although the Indy Circuit isn't my favourite the whole event itself was fantastic.

Grid walk was a great idea ahead of Race 1

Race 1 didn't go quite to plan.  Starting from 2nd on the grid, I managed to get a great start and held a comfortable lead before catching the back markers.  Watching the close fight between Moorwood and Ugo into Paddock Hill I dive to the inside, but unfortunately William doesn't see me and moves across, pushing me onto the grass.  'It's difficult to stop on grass' I'm sure you are aware, so I'm fortunate to get out of the gravel on the outside of Druids to limp back to the pits for some TLC ahead of the next race,  Italia v Angelis.

Although we had an off in Race 1, it could have been worse (Check out the Alfa roll) Autosport - 18.8.16

After clearing out the gravel, we miss the assembly for the first Italia v Angelis race and start from the pit lane.  It's a shame I didn't have my camera setup as I loved every minute of the race, cutting through the field.  Watching the way each car handled the tight Indy circuit was very entertaining. Although most were on slicks the 355 had the balance to push through to a 2nd overall.

I explain the theory of Black 355s to Einstein on the way to Race Control

Finally, Race 2 of the classic, this time with video connected.  I'll let you check the footage, but 0.021 seconds was the gap between 2nd and 3rd.  Who was 2nd?

Race 2 footage - Photo Finish

2016 Pirelli Ferrari formula classic - Provisional Calendar

2016 Pirelli Ferrari formula classic - Provisional Calendar

The 2016 calendar is now in draft and the F355 Challenge cars have been invited to join in.  We are covering the main UK tracks along with a return to Spa for a European event and the introduction of Val de Vienne.

Pirelli Ferrari formula classic

Race	Date	Venue
Races 1&2	May 7	Oulton Park International (D/H)
Races 3/4/5	June 2-5	Val de Vienne (T/H)
Races 6&7	July 2/3	Donnington Park GP (D/H)
Races 8&9	July 22-24	Spa-Francorchamps (D/H)
Races 10&11	August 14	Brands Hatch Indy (D/H)
Races 12&13	August 26	Castle Combe (D/H)
Races 14&15	September 23/24	Silverstone GP (D/H)
D/H - Double Header T/H - Triple Header

2014 - Ferrari Racing Days - Silverstone GP Circuit

Two years after achieving the world record of 964 Ferraris (yes I know it's the code for the 90's 911) on track at once, we return to Silverstone to support the European Trofeo and Shell 458 Challenge series' and the clienti programme of FXX, 599XX and F1 cars.

The Pirelli Ferrari Open has been invited again, but unfortunately the Classics remain excluded by the factory.  Such a shame as they do put on a great show and would definitely add a further dimension to the weekend.

Listening to the engines of the older F1 cars in contrast to my trip to the British GP in July really brings home what has been lost from the sport since the introduction of the turbos.  The scream is immense as the cars fly past.

The FXX and 599XX are similarly spectacular and it was a great privilege to watch from the pit lane.

Open Race

So onto the Open Race and specifically the gaggle of 355s.  After qualifying it is clear that Nigel's modifications for the Intermarque series have now bedded-in and starting to deliver the benefits.  Unless Nigel has a problem we will be in his wake.  Thankfully, the remaining cars are very close, so we should have a good battle.

Race 1

Tim and I are nose to tail behind the 360 of Gavin Shirley, which we know is difficult to get off the line, so there is a chance we both go backwards at the start.   As expected the 360s are slow off the line, but a spin in the first corner shuffles the pack and I get ahead of Tim and pull a large gap.  I maintain the gap for the race, with Nigel well ahead fighting with the 360s on SLICKS.  Unbelievable !!!.  2nd in class is a great result and ahead of Tim. 1 nil for the weekend to Tris.

Race 1 footage

Race 2

Tim and I start nose to tail again, but this time on the outside of the track.  Unfortunately the 360 of Gavin Shirley hasn't made the grid and both Nigel and Lee get a good run on the inside of turn 1.  Thankfully a decision to follow Lee gives me the chance to go around the outside of Tim at Village and pull a gap.

Race 2 footage

I keep with Lee and Nigel for a few laps, but gradually lose ground.  Tim makes good use of the faster cars as they lap us and is back on my tail by lap 9 and it is clear that he has more time in the car than I can match, so it's all eyes on the mirrors as I keep him behind.  Thankfully I retain 3rd and ahead of Tim for the second time in the weekend. Result !