UK: Russell Racing Donington Park notes

RUSSELL RACING MAKES PROMISING TRACK RETURN AT DONINGTON

Formula Renault BARC front-runners Russell Racing made a long-awaited return to action at Donington Park yesterday, Thursday, 5th April, with realistic championship contenders Matt Shawyer (Wheathampstead)and Matt Russell (Harlesden) both enjoying excellent outings.

Beginning the day with relatively neutral settings on their cars, Shawyer and Russell tried a variety of changes throughout the test and the outcome saw both drivers absolutely delighted with the pace and handling of their respective FR2000 racers.

"I'm very pleased with how everything went", said 24-year-old Shawyer, "The car felt very good, in fact I'd go so far as to say I'd be surprised if anyone else in a BARC-spec Formula Renault could have gone any quicker than we did today.

"The car was neutral to start with and then we dialled it in as the test went on and made a variety of changes to see how it would handle with different settings. I've got to say the way the car felt today definitely made it one of the best cars I've ever driven."

The Hertfordshire-based BRDC Rising Star added: "One of the best things about the car was the way I could get on the power so early out of the corners which is obviously a very good sign. It was a really enjoyable test, we did a lot of good work and I hope we'll be on the grid with Russell Racing for the first round at the end of the month."

New RR personnel bidding for BARC title push Russell Racing is delighted to announce the appointment of Kevin Matthews as the team's new chief mechanic and engineer in time for the beginning of the 2007 Formula Renault BARC Championship which starts at Donington Park on Sunday, 29th April.

Matt Russell's sister Harriet, herself an accomplished mechanic, will also become a regular fixture within the team for its Formula Renault BARC challenge this season and following yesterday's extremely promising test, the Doncaster-based squad has its sights firmly set on a serious attempt at claiming title success in the FR2000 Class.

Speaking on Kevin's appointment, North Londoner Matt Russell commented: "We have very high hopes for the year ahead and we're confident with Kevin on-board, and the good work we did during this test, we stand a great chance in Formula Renault BARC this year.

"I'm very happy with my own performance, which was a big confidence boost, but the car was fantastic. We're really looking forward to a very successful 2007 and I think we can certainly expect to challenge for race wins and mount a realistic championship bid."

The 23-year-old, who was Vice-Champion of the series in 2005, added: "It was great to have my sister Harriet alongside us at the test and I know she's relishing the opportunity of working on the cars throughout the year. We're all now really looking forward to what should be a very successful season."

Russell Racing will officially announce its 2007 driver line-up in due course.

-credit: rr