Reece Somerfield told TheCheckeredFlag.co.uk that he “couldn’t be happier” after taking his maiden Michelin Ginetta GT4 Supercup victory on the opening weekend of the 2015 season.
Somerfield started the final race at Brands Hatch second on the reverse grid, a superb launch off the line giving him a lead that he wouldn’t relinquish throughout the 23 lap encounter
“It’s fantastic, I couldn’t be happier,” said a rather speechless Somerfield after the podium.
“We’re all chuffed with the win. We’re going to be doing some partying later.”
To secure the win, Somerfield not only had to overcome pole-sitter Michael Caine, a former British GT champion, but also soak up pressure from 2012 Supercup champion Carl Breeze for a large portion of the race.
“I was fine until Carl got to within two, three car lengths behind me,” he commented. “Then I started to think I might have to start dealing with him, but I managed to keep him back.”
The victory completed Somerfield’s most competitive weekend yet in the Supercup, an impressive feat considering he hadn’t driven his new G55 at all in pre-season.
After qualifying eighth, Somerfield took a pair of fifth place finishes prior to his win, meaning the 26 year old left Kent joint third in the championship standings.
“We hadn’t done any testing, we jumped straight out in qualifying and I was happy with a strong eighth considering,” Somerfield reflected. “The first race was great with fifth and it’s just got better from there.”
Having enjoyed the taste of the winners champagne for the first time, Somerfield admits it’s a feeling he hopes to replicate as the season goes on.
“Hopefully we can add more wins,” he reflected. “I’m feeling more confident in the car, but I think we need to do a test day in it before the next race and then go from there.”
