BFREN: Croft: Patrick Long summary

First-Lap scrum ends Long's Formula Renault challenge at Croft.

HARROLD, Bedfordshire, UK. - Typically, starting deep down the grid is a portent for trouble. Such was the case for American Patrick Long in last Sunday's British Formula Renault race the Croft circuit.

Starting 11th on the grid after a disappointing qualifying session, Long, the 20-year-old Californian, quickly advanced to 9th place half-way around the first lap before barely touching a competitor during an overtaking maneuver at Croft's infamous Tower Bend hairpin. The slight impact knocked Long's front wing askew, causing him to pit for repairs.

Despite the setback, Long regained the chase and set a blistering pace, eventually setting the third-quickest lap of the race. But the damage had been done, and Long was classified as finishing in 25th position, a lap down.

"When you start as far back as I did, you're in harms way," explained Long. "I was being aggressive and had already moved up to 9th when I just touched Matt Griffin's rear wheel. After the pit stop, it was basically a race-distance test session. I did manage to turn the 3rd quickest lap in the race and did 13 laps within two-tenths of each other, so I was consistently quick, as well. Next up is Snetterton, a circuit I do well on. So, I'm looking forward to a better qualifying run and a chance at the podium."

For more information on Patrick Long, visit his website at: www.patricklong.com. And to follow the British Formula Renault, log on to www.renaultmotorsports.co.uk.

<pre> Result: Round 7, Formula Renault UK Championship, Croft Circuit Distance: 18 laps Weather/Track: Cloudy/dry

Pos/Driver (NAT)                Entrant
1. Danny Watts (GBR)            Fortec Motorsport
2. Jamie Green (GBR)            Fortec Motorsport
3. Will Davison (AUS)           Motaworld Racing
4. Alex Lloyd (GBR)             Motaworld Racing
5. Robert Bell  (GBR)           Motaworld Racing