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Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
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October 21, 2012
Published on tags: Superleague
Kernow Sport would like to publicly thank driver Simon Cattell for his efforts and performances this 2012 Superleague season as well as wish him all the best with his future sim-racing career.


Last weeks Japanese Grand Prix turns out to be the last showing this season for Cattell. He leaves the team and ends his season on a fantastic high-note after finishing a seasons best 4th around the famous Suzuka figure-of-eight circuit, half a second shy of a maiden Superleague podium. It's also Kernow Sports best finish now to date and the valuable points virtually establish the team in 8th place in the Constructors Championship in our first season.


A difficult season though it has been. Setup difficulties combined with slow development of the car left the team struggling for pace most of the midseason. Once upgrades came through midsummer and setup improved the team clawed its way back into point's fights. As Team Manager I'd like to thank Simon for sticking with us through tough times and doing his best with the package we supplied him to score 52 points along the way. His car and racing knowledge, speed and approach were always admired and valued by the team. We hope he enjoyed his time with us. The door will always be left open for him to return.


Simon, how do you feel your year at Kernow Sport went?


Simon: Quite good considering the circumstances, but still way behind Ruud Heesterbeek who had a slower car for most of the season, so definitely room for improvement. Found it difficult to learn and adapt to the rear slip angle and high speed understeer plus the unconventional engine characteristics, but then it's the same for everyone. Overall though, I'd say the season has been not bad but not great either. Driving for Kernow has been a pleasure and I'd recommend it for anyone.


What do you feel you've learned from this 2012 Superleague season?


Simon: Outside the car, it's better not to say anything public, even if you're right. Inside the car, I learnt defending a position can be better than letting everyone overtake.


What were your personal high and low points?


Simon: Personal high for sure was pulling a last lap pass on Pavel Loknovski for 5th in Abu Dhabi, even though it felt dirty at the same time. Low point was Spa - awful race in every sense and over 3 seconds off the pace despite doing nothing different, motivation got really tough from that point on, seeing the gaps ahead.


What's next for you in your sim-racing career? Is there any chance GPVWC could see you back, in any capacity, in one of next season's open-wheeler series?


Simon: Probably not. One of my reasons for joining GPVWC was having something to do whilst waiting for the iRacing Pro Series to start. And now that it starts in 2 weeks, I'll aim to drive that and progress to DWC (Drivers World Championship) for 2013 and take it from there. Maybe in 2014 when I'm bored of iRacing I could come back, but I doubt it.