Scots takes maiden BARC class winposted in FREN16 | 11 | 2010
THE LATEST SCOT to announce his presence in the world of motorsport, Glasgow's David Wagner, claimed his first BARC Class victory during the final round of the 2010 Formula Renault Winter Championship at Pembrey in South Wales. It was only the 17-year-old's sixth ever race in a single-seater.
Seven days after a double podium result for the Hillspeed team from the opening event at Snetterton in Norfolk, the Scot's maiden outing in cars, he added two more podium finishes at Pembrey with an excellent win in the last round on a tricky, drying track surface.
With the tricky conditions making tyre choice crucial, Hillspeed opted for wet-weather rubber; and the decision proved to be the right one. Wagner (pictured) fought his way through from fourth in class on the grid to win by a second from champion Josh Webster. The result ensured Wagner finished second in the championship on his debut outing.
Team-mate Howard Fuller took a fine third in class to end the winter series third, five points behind Wagner, in the standings. Both drivers enjoyed a good campaign, claiming second and third in the championship behind experienced Formula Renault BARC runner Webster.
"I knew I had to make a good start in the last race and pull a gap before the track dried and the cars with slick tyres came on," Wagner explained. "The first corner was mayhem and although I wasn’t involved, the Safety Car was on track for over four laps which didn't help our strategy.
"At the restart I was able to get into the lead and pull away but with three laps to go Josh Webster, on slicks, started to close rapidly. We were side by side going into the hairpin on the last lap but I had the drier line, got a great exit from the corner and was able to hold the gap until the flag.
"It was close though! I would like to thank all the boys at Hillspeed for giving me a great car, lots of encouragement and sound advice.” Team principal Richard Ollerenshaw was quick to praise the Scots youngster.
“We’ve been very pleased with the performances David has delivered throughout the winter series," Ollerenshaw said. "The last race was all about tyres and we made the right call to go with wets. We’re delighted David took the class win and also finished runner-up in the points, he's shown a lot of promise and has a very bright future ahead of him."
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Jim McGill
(Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography)