OULTON PARK SPECIALIST METCALFE DELIGHTED WITH TEST PACE

Formula Renault UK Championship title contender Jeremy Metcalfe underlined his status as something of an Oulton Park specialist during the final test of the pre-season at the Cheshire venue yesterday, Wednesday, 21st March, the single-seater star ending the test fourth fastest overall and very happy with his performance.

Having enjoyed a remarkable brace of podium results at the 2.2-mile Island Circuit layout last year, performances which also saw the Hampshire ace awarded a double ‘Driver of the Day’ accolade from Renault Sport UK for his outstanding overtaking ability, Jeremy was certainly delighted with his form on his return to the venue.

During the day’s first session the 18-year-old posted a fastest lap of 1m 19.160 seconds (101.233mph) to end the morning third quickest and although slipping to fourth fastest overall in the afternoon, even though he improved to a best time of 1m 18.502 seconds (102.081mph), Jeremy’s consistency – married to the fact he was just a couple of 100ths of a second shy of second place – gave him plenty to be pleased about.

“We were very fast on old tyres and although I didn’t quite get as much time as I should have from my new tyres, overall it was a good test as we were consistently quick again and a genuine front-runner”, said the BRDC Rising Star.

“I’m feeling very confident with the work we’ve done during the pre-season, the last couple of tests in particular have been highly productive. We may not have topped the times in testing but that isn’t where races and championships are won. I’m confident in race trim we’re going to be very fast.”

Metcalfe bidding for Brands Hatch podiums

With pre-season testing concluded, Jeremy’s attention now turns to the opening two rounds of the 2007 Formula Renault UK Championship which will take place at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit next weekend, 31st March/1st April.

During the corresponding race meeting last year, Jeremy started the season very strongly with second position during round one and fifth place in round two and he’s certainly planning on a similarly impressive return this time around.

Official testing at the Kent venue just over a week ago, Tuesday, 13th March, saw the Loughborough University student firmly on the pace with the fourth fastest time overall but the most impressive facet of the day was the consistency with which he produced quick lap times all within a few 100ths of a second of each other.

“Last year at Brands Hatch was a good start to the season for us. Being on the podium in the first race is always good and I’m confident we stand a great chance of challenging at the front all weekend”, commented Jeremy.

“Racing has always been my forte, testing isn’t where I tend to shine, so I can’t wait to mix it with everyone in race conditions. There are some quick drivers at the front again this year but I’m confident we have the package to get the job done.”

After debuting in Formula Renault UK in 2005, Jeremy’s switch to the AKA Cobra squad (then AKA Lemac) for that year’s Winter Championship saw him achieve his first ever category win after an excellent performance at Croft in North Yorkshire.

During the 2006 season he recorded four podium finishes on his way to finishing fifth overall in the driver standings. He was also victorious in the battle for the Donington Park Racing Association Club (DPRAC) Cup, was named a finalist in the 2006 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award and also received an invitation to become a BRDC Rising Star.

As has been the case for the last few seasons, the Formula Renault UK Championship will comprise 20 races in 2007 which will take place over the course of 10 weekends throughout the year at some of the country’s most exciting and spectacular circuits.

As support to the UK’s most popular domestic series, the British Touring Car Championship, at nine events, Formula Renault UK will also join its sister category, the pan-European World Series by Renault, at Donington Park in September for the latter’s annual British round.

Formula Renault UK will also benefit from live television coverage again this year although the broadcasts have moved from Motors TV to the subscription-based Setanta Sports channel which is available via cable and digital satellite.

Pre-event testing will take place next Friday, 30th March, at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit with qualifying for the opening two rounds of the season provisionally timetabled to take place on Saturday, 31st March, at 13.05 and 16.05. Both races are then scheduled for Sunday, 1st April.