Michael shows fighting spirit at Thruxton

With only three races remaining in the 2006 BARC Formula Renault Championship, the teams moved to Thruxton for round 10. With no practise available, it was straight into the 20 minute qualifying session where Michael was instantly on the pace, taking provisional pole for the first half of the session. As the times continued to fall, Michael was unable to respond and had to settle for 13th on the grid. ?I pushed my tyres too hard initially and didn?t give them a chance to recover. The balance was very good and consistent throughout qualifying so it was a shame not to be able to capitalise on it. Realistically, I think we should have been in the top six?.

With a difficult race in prospect, Michael made life even harder for himself with a bad start and dropped to as low as 17th on the first lap. With some skilful and mature driving, Michael had made his way back up to 14th after the first lap. ?I knew I had a good package under me so I was giving it everything and took every opportunity that occurred?.

By mid-race distance, Michael was on the verge of a points scoring position and was quickly reeling in Michael Vitulli and Emma Selway in front. ?While I was catching them I could see where I was quicker which worked to my advantage once they were within reach?. Within two laps, Michael had passed the pair of drivers with intelligent and brave manoeuvres. After a late battle with Andrew Meyrick, Michael came home in 9th place taking a further 2 points home. After an investigation by the stewards, Ross Worswick?s car was deemed illegal and excluded, giving Michael 8th place and an extra point.

?I?m disappointed not to have finished higher up the order but I?ve only got myself to blame after qualifying and a bad start. I?m really looking forward to the final two rounds at Brands Hatch (22-24th September) but it will be an extremely difficult weekend, as I?ve never driven there before. We?ve worked extremely hard this year and deserve to go out with a great result?.

The final rounds of the BARC Formula Renault Championship will be supporting the British Touring Car (BTCC) and Formula Renault UK Championships at Brands Hatch. Round 12 will be shown live on ?Motors TV? on Sunday and highlights will be shown later on ITV?s ?Motorsport UK? program.

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