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UK: Thomas Hylkema Brands Hatch preview

HYLKEMA LOOKING FORWARD TO FORMULA RENAULT UK FINALE Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent hosts the final two rounds of the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship next weekend, 9th/10th October, an event which is likely to mark Thomas Hylkema's ...

HYLKEMA LOOKING FORWARD TO FORMULA RENAULT UK FINALE

Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent hosts the final two rounds of the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship next weekend, 9th/10th October, an event which is likely to mark Thomas Hylkema's last appearance in the ultra-competitive category as he eyes a move into the GP3 Series for 2011.

Although this season hasn't delivered the results he had hoped for overall, the 22-year-old from Delft in The Netherlands has produced great speed and racecraft on numerous occasions. He's had plenty of misfortune along the way though, such as his car grinding to a halt yards from the starting grid at Croft after securing his first career Formula Renault UK pole position!

Remaining positive throughout the year, the Manor Competition driver is looking forward to the championship finale, rounds 19 and 20, at Brands Hatch and he'll be battling as hard as ever for a strong qualifying performance and two suitably competitive race results. Furthermore, the coveted top 10 in the driver standings is still a realistic target for Thomas during his category swansong.

" It's going to be a funny weekend for me as it's almost certainly my last race in Formula Renault, that'll make it special", said the TORO, Club Car and Geothex supported driver, "I have a good history with Brands Hatch, in terms of speed if not necessarily results! I'm a really big fan of the track, I like the nature of it and I think it's one of the best in England.

"As we'll be on the short Indy Circuit, it'll be about hundredths of a second rather than tenths and qualifying will be as important as it has been all year. I think we can have a strong end to the season and, overall, I've had a great time this year. I've learned a lot and to have taken my first pole was really important for my confidence long term. I hope we can end the season on a high."

At the conclusion of the Brands Hatch weekend, whatever the outcome, Thomas will turn his attention to a fresh challenge and this will begin with a debut test in GP3 series machinery at Estoril in Portugal on 13th, 14th and 15th October with the Manor Racing squad.

Competing in the FIA Formula One World Championship-supporting category is his prime target for 2011 and the aerospace engineering student is keen to evaluate the Renault-engined Dallara chassis as soon as he can. From Estoril, Thomas will then travel over the border into Spain for the following week's test at Jerez.

First though, he's striving to end his Formula Renault UK career with a flourish. Official testing for the final two rounds of the 2010 championship will take place on Friday, 8th October, with qualifying scheduled for 09.25 and 14.30 on Saturday, 9th October. Round 19 will begin the action on Sunday, 10th October, at 10.00 with round 20 scheduled to follow at 15.25.

2010 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship standings (after Rd18): 12th Thomas Hylkema, 161pts

-source: thomashylkema.com

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