March 07, 2012
Published on tags: Formula Challenge
The time had finally arrived for many of the new, and returning drivers to the GPVWC for the start of the inaugral Formula Challenge season. The opening venue was a familiar one, with the field set to compete at the ever popular Brands Hatch circuit.

It was returning GPVWC driverEmanuel Gaczella who took pole position, ahead of Torrent Motorsports driver Jim Parisis. Adrian McNaughton, Janne Vaananen and Ari Nieminen completed the top 5. With just over 1 second separating the top 8, it was sure to be an exciting race.Gaczella and Parisis were in a class of their own in Race 1, but it was the latter Jim Parisis who took the win, just 1 second ahead of Gaczella. The two drivers were involved in an outstanding race long battle, and put on a real show for the Formula Challenge viewers. Vaananen drove a very solid race, and remained within touching distance with the squabbling leaders for most of the race, and took the final podium spot for Tiger Express Motorsports. Roy Schroten picked his way through some early lap incidents to take 4th place, and Ari Nieminen finished in 5th, the same position he qualified in.With the top 15 finishers in Race 1 getting their positions reversed for the starting grid of Race 2, it was Portugese driver Miguel Macedo set to start on pole. However, an incident on the formation lap forced him to start from the pitlane, gifting Nijo Racing debutant Jon MacLean pole position. The Scot made a good start and led for a portion of the race, but a crucial error forced him into retirement, and handed the lead to Norwegian driver Jarl Teien, who at the end managed to hold off a charging Parisis and take home the Race 2 win. Gaczella took home 3rd place, with McNaughton and Schroten rounding out the top 5.Even at this early stage, many predict a season long battle for the Drivers championship between Parisis and Gaczella, as well as a Constructors championship battle between their respective teams Torrent Motorsports, and Storm Racing. The battle is sure to continue on the 14th March as the field head to Assen for two more exciting races!