Newly-crowned Ginetta GT5 Challenge champion Oliver Basey-Fisher was ‘satisfied’ and ‘happy’ with the pace shown on his maiden outing in the Michelin Ginetta GT Supercup ‘G50 class’ at Brands Hatch GP.
Just one week after wrapping up the Challenge title at Donington Park, the 18 year old former Ginetta Junior racer made his return to the BTCC support package.
Adapting well to the more powerful Ginetta G50 despite a series of technical issues and mechanical gremlins all weekend, Basey-Fisher performed well in his maiden race to pressure team-mate Will Burns throughout en-route to fourth in class at the finish.
Basey-Fisher then put a frustrating opening lap retirement in race two behind him to take another fourth place class finish in the weekend’s live-televised encounter.
“The mixed weather wasn’t ideal and the car is a big, big change from what I’m used to,” said Basey-Fisher. “We had car issues all weekend really, problems with the throttle, an issue with the fuel pump, a power problem – it wasn’t until the first race where I was able to have a proper go in the car.
“Luckily, the first race was dry and I had a good run. I was half a second faster than my team-mate Will [Burns], who has more experience than me in these cars, but our battle was cut short by the Safety Car unfortunately.
“Sunday was crazy. I was taken out of the first race by Carl Boardley, he was letting people past but as I went by he didn’t realise I was there and made contact which unfortunately broke the track-rod. In race three, the car worked well and I was really happy in terms of my pace – this weekend has definitely whetted my appetite for more of the same next year.”
