UK: CRS Racing Brands Hatch summary

TINCKNELL TAKES DEBUT POLE

The 2009 Formula Renault season got off to an incredible start for CRS Racing yesterday when series rookie, Harry Tincknell, took pole position and then romped home in second place, taking a podium finish in the first race of the year.

"I had a dream start to my Formula Renault season," said Harry. "Taking pole position was awesome and actually felt as good as a win! During the session the slicks were taking ages to come in as it had started off pretty wet. Once they started to work I went sixth, then third, and then I got the run at pole. Going into the race I was little concerned as it was the first time I had done a start in the dry, but I nailed it and had a great run. I had a moment going into the Esses and Ollie Webb got up the inside of me but after that it was a clear run to the flag."

Race two was an entirely different story for Harry as his left rear wishbone broke on the warm-up lap and he was unable to start the race. It wasn't enough to wipe the smile off his face though.

"Yes, it's a shame to finish the weekend like that," he said. "But race one gave me a real taste of how good it can be in Formula Renault and I have taken a lot of confidence from that result."

Harry wasn't the only CRS driver at Brands Hatch yesterday. Lewis Williamson had a great result in race two, finishing in fourth place. Josh Scott had two solid finishes: seventh in race one and fifth in race two. Matias Laine came eighth in race one and Michael Lyons had a tough weekend, finishing 23rd and 21st in the two races.

"It was a good weekend for the CRS Renault team," said Andrew Kirkaldy. "It's always difficult to know in pre-season testing where you are in relation to the other cars. After Brands Hatch we're confident that we are as quick as anyone. It's a promising start to the season."

The Formula Renault boys are back on track in three weeks time at the super-fast Thruxton Circuit in Hampshire.

-credit: crs