BRANDS WEEKEND STARTS STRONGLY FOR METCALFE

Formula Renault UK title contender Jeremy Metcalfe got the opening race weekend of the 2007 season off to an impressive start at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit this afternoon after concluding pre-event testing third fastest overall.

The 18-year-old, from Fleet in Hampshire, has been consistently strong throughout the pre-season and continued this form during today’s two sessions to signal his intent of securing a brace of podium results on Sunday at the 1.2-mile Kent venue.

With rain affecting the entire test, Jeremy underlined his ability as a genuine front-runner in wet conditions as well as on a dry track by posting the third fastest time in session one with a best lap of 48.281 seconds (89.37mph).

Although the rain became more persistent, and the track therefore more wet, for session two, the AKA Cobra star cemented his position in the top three once again with a quickest lap of 49.094 seconds (87.89mph).

Delighted with his performance, which saw him emerge as the biggest threat to reigning champion team Fortec Motorsport ahead of the first two rounds of the campaign, Jeremy is now aiming to secure a front-row grid slot during qualifying tomorrow on a circuit which is notorious for its lack of overtaking opportunities in a ‘slicks and wings’ single-seater.

He said: “We’re very confident of a good run in qualifying tomorrow and if we can start both of Sunday’s races from the front row I’d be delighted. It’ll be tough to achieve but I’d like to start at least one of the races from pole – it would be a fantastic start to the year.”

Tomorrow, Saturday, 31st March, is when the action truly begins with qualifying for the opening race of the 2007 season set to take place at 13.05 and round two qualifying scheduled to follow at 16.05.

Both Formula Renault UK races will then be held on Sunday, 1st April, with round one starting at 12.10 and round two concluding the weekend’s action at Brands Hatch at approximately 17.30. The action will be broadcast live on cable and digital satellite subscription channel Setanta Sports – please check listings for details.