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June 07, 2014
Published on tags: Formula Challenge Petar Brljak

 

Ben Hackeson looks over the class of 2014 heading into the Challenge Monaco Grand Prix.

After an exciting opening 5 events of the 2014 Formula Challenge season, I have a look at the current contenders for the constructors championship and attempt to predict the final standings at the end of the year. Of course, we could have yet more talent added to the field in future races such as David Fidock and Douwe Tapper last year and equally some of the better drivers could move up to higher tiers in GPVWC.

Tanskanen Racing - 225 points - 1st

Tanskanen have got off to the start the paddock expected, having the arguably best all round partnership of any team they deservedly sit in top spot and are favourites to stay there. James Johnson leads the drivers championship after especially excelling in the reverse grid races, whilst Jonathan Holmes will be disappointed to be in 6th position after showing very similar pace to his teammate, but luck has not been on his side, being caught up in many incidents along the way. Both are expected to be competing for second place in the drivers championship at the end of the year.

THR - 178 points - 2nd

Struggling by their own very high standards, the team currently only have 1 primary driver. A lot will depend on whom they pick to drive the second black and orange car, but we can be certain it will be a driver of very high calibre. David Jundt has had a solid and consistent start to the year, scoring points in every race so far and sits prettily in second position, a position he aims to hold. David is a driver who could very well move up into at least Supercup half way through the season, should the opportunity arise.

Enterprise GP - 148 points - 3rd

Possibly punching above their weight, but as things stand, they show no sign of letting up their challenge for constructor's glory. Scott Berrisford has been the surprise package of this season, sitting 4th in the championship and recently looking like the only driver to even be able to challenge Brjlak for race 1 victories, team owner James Kirk will be hoping he doesn't get called up to Supercup full time. Hansko Hebius has looked quick on occasions but so far hasn't converted it into the points he feels he deserves. Watch out for Hansko climbing the table and Enterprise mounting a serious challenge.

Smile Power Racing - 146 points - 4th

Jesper Taulborg is probably the most consistent driver on the grid, picking up strong points every time he isn't involved in an incident. 7 out of 10 races he has finshed 3rd-5th and currently lies 5th in the drivers standings and will be hoping to improve on that over the course of the season. Tommi Ojala is the second Smile Power driver, currently 10th in the table after a couple of strong reverse grid races. Tommi has the experience and talent to make Smile a consistent force this season

Walk Racing - 120 points - 5th

Star of the field Petar Brjlak should run away with the title, by far the quickest driver in qualifying and crossing the line 1st many times. However, penalties and disconnections have been the downfall for Petar so far but he still should comfortably win the title. Patrick Wannemuller is new to the team and has shown pace and should see if climb to around the top 10 in the drivers standings by the end of the season. If Patrick can keep contributing the top 10 pace and finishes like he has so far, Walk Racing could well end up constructors champions.

My Predictions:

Drivers:

1. Petar Brjlak - Walk Racing
2. James Johnson - Tanskanen Racing
3. Scott Berrisford - Enterprise GP
4. Jonathan Holmes - Tanskanen Racing
5. Jesper Taulborg - Smile Power Racing

Constructors:

1. Tanskanen Racing
2. Walk Racing
3. Enterprise GP
4. THR
5. Smile Power Racing

The ever-demanding Monte-Carlo is the next round of the Formula Challenge season, join us on the 6th May at 7:45 BST to catch all the action.

Ben Hackeson