Motorsport round-up

By Bob Bull
BBC Three Counties Radio

Undoubtedly the highlight of the weekend's motorsport for Three Counties drivers was the brilliant performance of 16-year-old Tom Ingram from Marlow at Brands Hatch.

Tom Ingram in his Ginetta G40

Tom was competing in the 'Ginetta Junior Championship' - a series for young drivers all using the Ginetta G40 sports car.

Despite never having competed on the historic Brands Grand Prix circuit before and up against rivals who instruct on the track, the Buckinghamshire youngster took a superb third place in the first of two races with the first three across the line a mere two tenths of a second apart.

The extra point for fastest lap was a bonus for Tom and, with Championship leader Jake Hill being disqualified, things looked good for the title chase.

Race two brought more drama for the Marlow lad, who had a steering rack problem during practice that compromised his ability to learn the track, when the heavens opened.

Tom had never driven the car on a wet surface before. However, from fifth spot on the grid he stormed up to second place by the first corner and tried hard for the lead. However, after a couple of 'moments' decided that it was better to take a safe second place, rather than risk an expensive accident.

Two podium places and the Championship lead is more than he could have hoped for going in to the weekend. However, his next race is to raise sufficient funds to continue in the series.

While most of his main rivals are well funded, Ingram runs on a shoestring budget and desperately needs help. It would be a tragedy if one of the region's most promising talents could not continue.

Tom Ingram celbrates on the podium

In the three rounds of the British Touring Car Championship held on the circuit, the three local drivers had mixed fortunes.

In race one, Matt Hamilton (Hemel Hempstead) took 12th place two spots ahead of Aylesbury's Andy Neate, but Dave Pinkney (Harpenden) retired.

Race two saw Pinkney take an excellent 8th place in his Vauxhall Vectra with Hamilton in a Honda Civic just one place back in 9th. Both will be very pleased with those performances, although Andy Neate will be less happy with his retirement.

The final round was run in changeable conditions with rain at the start and a drying track toward the end. The tricky surface caught out Pinkney, who under pressure from Honda works drive Matt Neale, ran off the road at Druids Bend bringing out a safety car.

Matt Hamilton claimed another finish in 12th place and Neate brought his BMW home 13th.

In the two races for the Porsche Carrera Cup, Milton Keynes driver Glenn McMenamin finished 15th overall (second in class) during the first run and 16th (third in class) in race two. Essendon's Liam Griffin finished in 22nd and 19th places respectively.

Silverstone was the venue for the second round of the FIA GT1 Championship. It was a cold, wet weekend for the international field, among them Oliver Gavin from Bedfordshire driving a Corvette for the Finnish 'Mad Croc' Team (an energy drink if you are wondering).

Unfortunately, his race ended in a gravel bed while trying to corner three abreast.

Next weekend, the Formula 1 teams return from their far eastern sojourn to the more familiar surrounds of Barcelona. A fascinating battle is in prospect with Red Bull probably favourites.

However, Ferrari's Fernando Alonso on home ground will be particularly keen to shine.

The McLaren duo of Button and Hamilton are bound to be to the fore as well, and Alson's team-mate Felipe Massa will also be anxious to get his challenge back on track.

Also, Rosberg and Schumacher in the Mercedes could spring a suprise, while Kubica in the Renault should also figure well.

I predict double world champion Alonso to take the honours.