Scots Porsche ace closer to titleposted in MSPOR15 | 08 | 2011
EDINBURGH'S OLY MORTIMER heads into the final triple-header of the Porsche GT3 Cup Championship at Silverstone with a slender three-point lead in the title race. The 27-year-old took a win and a second place in the latest round at Oulton Park.
Starting from pole position for the first race at the Cheshire circuit, Mortimer lost out in the sprint to the opening corner and immediately tucked his Tynecastle Garage-prepared Porsche 911 behind Karl Leonard.
Despite hounding the Irishman — who is not in contention for the championship — throughout the duration of the race, Mortimer accepted second place at the chequered flag.
“I think if it had been the last race of the championship I would have kept my foot on it at the first corner!” the Scot, who finished ahead of his nearest title rival Graeme Mundy, explained.
"Karl has nothing to lose, so I thought I’d just back out of that one and stick behind him and pressure him into a mistake. I caught him up a bit – but I know he is quick round here.”
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The second race saw Mortimer start from second on the grid alongside polesitter Leonard, but the Irishman bogged down at the start and lost out to not only the Scot, but Mundy too.
The two title rivals then served up a thrilling battle with Mundy pressurising Mortimer right through to the chequered flag.
“That was my hardest race so far this season,” Mortimer, who held on to win by just 0.341secs, said. “I know I said that at Rockingham, but they are getting harder!
"Hats off to Graeme for not running into me when I turned in on him and sent him off at the chicane, but he was right back with me and even at the last corner was on my outside.
"Wemade some changes to the rear of the car and I can really throw it into corners now. I just have to say thank you to Tynecastle Garage for a great car.
"Now we'v a long break before we head to Silverstone for the final race of the year at the beginning of October. It's going to be a really thrilling and exciting weekend.
"It's great to be leading the championship in this my first full season racing in sportscars, and with Porsche, but I know I'm going to be in for a real battle when we line up for the final three races.
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Jim McGill