Atech Reid GP are feeling confident of a strong weekend in the 2011 Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship, with a positive test session seeing both Tio Ellinas and Dan Wells looking capable of challenging at the front.
Ellinas finished third in the day's first session and second in the second session, with his best time of 1min 19.279s putting him third overall for the day. Wells improved from tenth in the first session to an impressive fourth in the second, leaving him seventh overall, 0.391s slower than his team-mate. The teams final driver Oscar King sustained slight damage to his car in the afternoon session, leaving him unable to improve from twelfth place.
Ellinas said: “Today was basically very good. I was on the pace and in the second session we were looking at set-up for qualifying. Our aim is for 'P1' tomorrow.”
Wells reflected: “I got a good run on old tyres this morning. The balance felt good and on new tyres it just got better and better. It's a good start to the weekend and I'm looking forward to qualifying.”
King commented: “I struggled a little in the first session. Then in the second it was better and I was up to seventh when I had a crash so I missed out on setting a good time on new tyres. Tomorrow will be better.”
Team Principal David Hayle concluded: “Tio is doing well battling for the Championship and he has had a positive day with good prospects for qualifying tomorrow. Oscar could have been up there too if he hadn't had his 'off' but he has time tomorrow to show what he is capable of. Dan is improving, and it showed with his excellent result in the second session, so we are hopeful that all three will put in some good times tomorrow to get decent positions on the grid.”
