News
20.05.07
Maiden podium for Hancock on successful weekend at Croft
Hampshire racer Ollie Hancock enjoyed an impressive weekend at Croft in rounds 2 and 3 of the Formula Renault BARC championship, only missing out on a double-podium after been pushed out of third place in race one.
Ollie qualified fifth for the first race, but avoided a first corner accident between front row sitters Dean Stoneman and Hywel Lloyd to leapfrog up to third. Closing in on second place Stan Pentus in the early laps, Hancock was preparing to make a move on lap 4, when he was unceremoniously pushed off the circuit following a late lunge up the inside by fourth placed David McDonald.
Although the two made heavy contact, Hancock’s car was fortunate not to suffer any damage. A trip across the long grass dropped him down to 11th, but a strong recovery drive saw him finish sixth at the flag ensuring he netted some crucial championship points.
Race two saw Ollie start second following his best qualifying performance of the new season, and make a good start to hold his position and challenge leader Stoneman. A front three of Stoneman, Hancock and Lloyd ran nose to tail throughout the race, with Ollie ultimately having to settle for third after losing second place to a well timed move from Lloyd at the hairpin.
Ollie said: “I was lucky not to sustain any damage in race one because McDonald’s car came right over the top of me. It was a very late lunge up the inside and I had no chance of seeing him before I turned in to take the corner. Race two was much better though. Lloyd made a good move on me to get second, but we’ve had the pace to match the more experienced guys this weekend. To get a podium in just my third race is very encouraging.”