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Formula 3 rookie Ryan Lewis continued his domination of the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship with a stunning pole position for today's third round at Silverstone. The 19 year-old from Royston, Hertfordshire posted a time of 1min 17.009secs more than seven tenths ahead of his nearest rival to claim his third consecutive pole position slot.
The reigning Formula Palmer Audi Champion in his first season in the UK's premier single seater championship took double victory in the series openers at Donington two weeks ago and despite being apprehensive going into his first ever race on the Silverstone International circuit dominated the 30 minute session.
Driving a T-Sport Dallara Mugen-Honda the teenager, who celebrates his 20th birthday next week, pulled out all the stops in the opening minutes to firmly establish himself as the title favourite. “I was a little apprehensive about racing here this weekend,” said Ryan. “Friday was my first time on the International circuit and I'd never even seen the track before the test, the only experience I'd had of it was on the Playstation!
But the circuit is great, really quick in places which I like, and we made a few changes after yesterday's session, particularly for the quick sections, which really paid off. In F3 qualifying you really have to go for it, flat out, in the first few laps to set a decent time and I'm very happy with how it all went yesterday.”
He narrowly missed out on double pole position in qualifying for the days second race however, his time of 1min 16.949secs less than 14/100ths of a second off pole after struggling with understeer through the fast right hander at Copse Corner. “The car was really struggling with understeer through Copse when the wind picked up for the afternoon session,” said Ryan. “Although the overall times were slightly quicker, the wind made a big difference to how the car handled. I'm reasonably happy with second quickest, but would have liked to have made it four poles from four races.”
The youngster, driving a BES T-Sport Dallara Mugen-Honda, remains confident for todays two 18-lap races around the Silverstone International track. “I've got to grips with the track now and feel much more confident so come the races I'll be planning another double victory to extend my series lead.”
Qualifying for Race 1
1. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:17.009
2. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:17.733
3. Adam Langley-Khan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:18.142
4. Barton Mawer Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:18.172
5. Vasilije Calasan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:18.454
6. Lars Sexton Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:19.032
Qualifying for Race 2
1. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:16.935
2. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:16.949
3. Barton Mawer Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:17.225
4. Adam Langley-Khan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:17.520
5. Lars Sexton Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:17.908
6. Vasilije Calasan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:18.491
Avon Tyres British Scholarship Points after 2 rounds
1. RYAN LEWIS 42
2. Stephen Jelley 23
3. Ajit Kumar 18
4. Barton Mawer 15
5. Adam Langley-Khan 12
6. Vasilije Casalan 10
Ref: ml00073
18 April 2004
Editor's note: Copyright free images of Ryan Lewis are available from the website below. All requests for interview should be directed to Cathy Metcalfe at the details below
For media information: Cathy Metcalfe, MPR Associates, Tel: 01327 352199, Fax: 01327 352908 Mob: 07802 332398 E-mail: cathymetcalfe@mpr-associates.co.uk www.ryanlewisracing.co.uk
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