Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship outfit Atech Reid GP continued its good form in testing today, getting all three of its drivers in the top six at Snetterton, ahead of the fourth meeting of the 2011 season at Oulton Park, Cheshire over the weekend of 4/5 June.
Championship leader Tio Ellinas topped the timesheets in the first two sessions of the day, before finishing second overall behind chief title rival Alex Lynn, the Cypriot's best time of 1min 45.731s just 0.188s off Lynn's best.
Ellinas said: “I was very happy with the morning sessions, it's always good to be fastest! In the final session I just got pipped by Lynn who got a tow, which gave him an extra four tenths of a second. Apart from that though it was a good day, and I'm generally very happy with our pace again today and looking forward to the next rounds.”
Dan Wells was enjoying only his second appearance with the Cardiff-based team at the Norfolk track and improved throughout the day, ending up fifth fastest with best time of 1min 46.434s. Finishing just behind him was fellow Briton Oscar King, just 0.106s off Wells.
Wells commented: “I'm relatively pleased with today, I didn't get the best run on new tyres but made good progress throughout the day. We had a few gearbox issues, left over from Thruxton, but managed to resolve those by the end of the day, so I leave here quite positive ahead of the next rounds, which are on my favourite track. I won't predict anything for Oulton Park but I'm certainly hoping track knowledge will be on my side and help me get into the top half of the grid.”
King added: “I'm happy with the day overall, I had a bit of an off in the first session, which damaged the front wing, giving me lots of front downforce but pretty edgy in the corners. Things improved throughout the day although I really feel we should have been even quicker than sixth as I didn't have the perfect set-up for the new tyres. I'm looking forward to Oulton now, it's my favourite circuit, but I have no expectations ahead of the race weekend.”
Team Principal David Hayle concluded: “It was a pretty straightforward test today, no problems, and it's very encouraging to see Dan and Oscar right up there in the top six. We've got used to seeing Tio at the top of the times now but it's still always good to be fastest in two of the sessions which means we head into the next rounds feeling confident.
“Dan and Oscar drove particularly well today, they are both so inexperienced and to be fifth and sixth so early in the season will be a great boost to them and increase their chances of a strong finish when we head to Oulton Park next month.”
Photo Credit: Jakob Ebrey Photography
