Richardson Racing's G50's In Action At The Ginetta Media Day At Silverstone - Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
Richardson Racing are hoping for a strong start to the season at Brands Hatch this weekend, with the Grantham-based team looking for success in both the G55 and the G50 classes of the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup.
Spearheading the team's challenge in the premier G55 class is Andrew Richardson, who moving up to the class after a strong G50 campaign last year, in which he took four class wins. Despite it being his first race weekend in his new car, Richardson is hoping to replicate his race-winning performance around the Indy circuit from last year and start his title challenge in positive fashion.
Andrew said: “We had a bit of an electrical fault when we tested the car for the first time at Donington, but then we went to Brands Hatch and were right on the pace, so I'm going into this weekend confident that I will be able to challenge for victory. The car has more grip and better brakes than the G50 and it just feels a bit more 'racy' when you are behind the wheel.
“My pace during testing was consistently quick, and I was faster than the other cars present even when I feel there is more to come. I won in the G50 at Brands Hatch last year and hopefully I'll do it again this time around.”
Leading the team's fight in the G50 class is Mark Davies. The Huddersfield-based racer took the Ginetta Challenge title in 2011, taking a win and a third place at the Brands Hatch Indy circuit on the way, and is looking for a winning start this weekend ahead of a planned class title challenge.
Mark commented: “I'm not too sure what to expect until testing on Friday as it will be the first chance we have to see what the other G50 drivers can do. However, even though we haven't really been on track with the other G50s, I'm going into the weekend very confident about my chances. I've settled in well with the team during pre-season testing and they've provided a good car. I'm looking forward to it.”
The team's second G50 will be raced by Andrew's younger sister Louise Richardson, after a late sponsorship deal has been signed to allow her to take part in the opening rounds of the season. Louise is currently competing on a race by race basis, but hopes to find additional sponsorship so she can join Mark in fighting for the G50 class title.
Louise added: “I'm really looking forward to the weekend. I didn't think I was going to be on the grid but then we got a call on Tuesday night that means I'll be racing. Although I've done testing in a Formula Renault BARC car over the winter, I haven't driven the Ginetta since Silverstone last season but I don't think it will take me too long to get back into the swing of things. Despite the lack of track time, I think I can get at least a podium finish from the weekend.”
