Topgear News
Ford UK: Drivers flock to Silverstone test.
Posted on December 4, 2006 @ 9:23 amMore than 60 budding single-seater drivers braved the weather at Silverstone on Friday to get behind the wheel of a Formula Ford racer.
They were taking part in the first-ever UK Formula Ford ’sampler day’, a chance for teams to meet the youngsters who are keen to join the series in 2007, and for the drivers to try the different chassis available to them.
Despite the difficult December weather, the day was judged a success all round.
“We were genuinely amazed by the response to our invitation to come and find out what Formula Ford is all about,” Sam Roach, from championship promoter RacingLine, said. “It’s been a brilliant way to get prospective drivers and the teams together.”
“It was an excellent day and it bodes well for the 2007 championship,” Phil Boland, of the Myerscough College team, added. “We ran six different drivers and, though the bad weather has been a bit of a problem, it’s been a really useful exercise - great for the teams and great for the drivers.”
Most of the regular 2006 UKFF teams were present at Silverstone, including Fluid Motorsport, Jamun Racing, Kevin Mills Racing, Ray, Avenues, Spirit, Marque Cars, Joe Tandy Racing, Myerscough College, Eau Rouge Motorsport and Swift, and several new teams were also in attendance.
The sampler day also provided an opportunity for Ford to demonstrate the effectiveness of Bio-Ethanol fuel as a development for the future. Jamun team member Jay Bridger expressed himself pleased with the performance of a 2006 Mygale which had been undergone the light conversion necessary to enable it to use the fuel.
“It was very impressive,” he said. “The way the power was delivered was slightly different to regular petrol, but there was plenty of power there all right. It’s an interesting idea.”
Nathan Freke and Nick Tandy both tested a Fluid F3 car during the day.
(this article was taken from crash.net)
