September 07, 2016

 

Team Manager Mark Wicks continues to update us on Kernow Sport's 2016 Superleague season.

Monza: The cathedral of speed: Host to the thirteenth race of the Superleague season. The fastest track and quickest race of the year usually brings with it a fair serving of overtaking and close racing. Kernow Sport turned up with our usual driver line-up resumed, Bart and Dan, as well as a couple of upgrades (something which will likely not happen again this year, as attention has turned to the 2017 car), and two fresh engines.

TM Wicks: "The boys both qualified inside the top-8, impressive against the opposition around us who had better drag, downforce and dirty air upgrades. They also planned a traditional two-stop race.

The opening lap was eventful, Dan settling into his position in 8th and running well. But towards the end of his first stint the crew realised there was a tyre selection issue with his dashboard controls. It was going to be impossible to change compounds and therefore complete the race without being disqualified. The decision was taken on Lap 14 to retire the car: with interest in saving the engine wear on what was a new engine.

Bart's race was more successful, though it wasn't without its drama or frustration. Quite a portion of it was spent stuck behind Francic, the Vod:Bul?s better top speed making him a tough opponent to pass, even with DRS. At one point the two must have tangled and dropped a couple of places. Bart managed to get one of them back by strategy (Gaczella) and finally leap Francic, but lost out to Francesconi. He crossed the line 6th within 30secs of the winner for his first points since Canada and moves into 9th in the overall standings, not too far ahead of Dan."

Points: 135
Position: 6th