Championship leader Ryan Lewis maintained his advantage at the top of the points table with two second places in the seventh and eighth rounds of the Visma Software Formula Palmer Audi Championship at Brands Hatch today. The 19 year-old started the day's first 15 lapper from the second row and after dropping a place at the start, was up into third at the end of the first lap, and moved ahead into second as the cars entered their third lap.
“I didn't make a brilliant start,” said Ryan. “And I was really made to work hard for that second place. The car was spot on but I had to defend my position from Kennard behind me and that allowed Adam to get away. It was good though and I've managed to hold the lead in the championship, although it's now Smith that's back in second spot and he was in good form this weekend.”
The day's second race had Ryan start from the front row and again he struggled off the line as Smith leapt ahead with Paul Warren and Team Lewis team-mate Niki Faulkner surging past. Lewis though kept his head to pass Faulkner on lap 2 and moved ahead of Warren on lap 6. Despite increasing pressure from Kennard, he held on record his second runner-up spot of the day, and maintains a 16 point lead in the championship standings.
“I'm reasonably happy with the weekend's results, the car had a bit of oversteer over the last half of the race although I had the pace. With these cars being so close though, it's hard to get by. I had a look a couple of times at Smith but it really wasn't worth the risk. I've still got a bit of a cushion at the head of the championship, although a little bit more would have been nice as we go into the Spa rounds in two weeks time.”
His Team Lewis team-mate Niki Faulkner was forced out on the opening lap, punted off into the gravel at Druids, after passing five cars, while a spin in the second race dropped him down to 13th at the flag.
Results for Round 7
1. Adam Smith 23:24.572
2. RYAN LEWIS 23:25.230
3. Jonathan Kennard 23:25.900
4. Ryan Hooker 23:30.035
5. Paul Warren 23:30.591
6. Sam Edwards 23:33.467
Fastest lap: Ryan Lewis 1:26.451 (109.18mph)
Results for Round 8
1. Adam Smith 24:32.854
2. RYAN Lewis 24:33.840
3. Jonathan Kennard 24:35.342
4. Stephen Young 24:37.558
5. Paul Warrren 24:37.590
6. Sam Edwards 24:38.865
Fastest lap: Sam Edwards 1:26.005 (109.75mph)
Championship positions after 8 rounds
1. RYAN LEWIS 159
2. Adam Smith 143
3. Ryan Hooker 122
4. Sam Edwards 100
5. Chris Hyman 92
= Stephen Young 92
Ref: ml00020
17 August 2003
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