Single-seater racer Sean Walkinshaw is aiming for a competitive conclusion to the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter Series with Michelin at Rockingham this coming Saturday, 10th November, off the back of a successful outing in the Indian-based MRF Challenge just over a week ago in New Delhi.
Returning to the scene of his maiden car racing podium, which was achieved during the 2011 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter Series, and also the venue for his first InterSteps Championship rostrum, the Chipping Norton driver is confident of a strong weekend in Northamptonshire.
Sean will arrive at Rockingham’s 1.94-mile International Sportscar Circuit aiming to build on the great experience he gained by racing in the MRF Challenge at Buddh International Circuit, as part of the Formula One Airtel Indian Grand Prix weekend on 27th/28th October.
Beginning the event well with the ninth fastest time out of an 18-strong international field, the second year racer qualified 12th fastest for the opening encounter and climbed as high as 10th before having to settle for 12th by the end of the nine-lapper. In race two, Sean finished in an improved 11th position after starting in 13th place.
“Racing as part of the Grand Prix weekend was a fantastic experience, really enjoyable and I learnt a lot that will hopefully help when I’m back in the BARC car this weekend”, said Sean, “I really want to try and finish the Winter Series with two strong top 10 results, Brands Hatch didn’t go as well as we wanted but we’re determined to have a strong run at Rockingham.”
Although the opening two rounds of the Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter Series with Michelin did see Sean’s performance hampered somewhat by a suspected engine-related issue, he was able to post a best finish of 12th place for the MTECH Lite squad in rain-affected conditions.
Going into the Rockingham event Sean is 13th in the Winter Series driver standings but so closely contested is the championship, the Oxfordshire driver – who celebrated his 19th birthday this past weekend – is only two points shy of the top 10 and just 14 points away from the coveted top six.
“I’m really hoping it’ll be dry at the weekend as that’ll be our best chance of climbing the points table”, he added, “First and foremost we need to get qualifying right, if we can put the car in the top eight or top 10 on the grid for both races then I’m confident we’ll be able to race well and try and achieve a couple of good results.”
Qualifying for rounds three and four of the 2012 Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter Series with Michelin will get underway at 09.25 on Saturday, 10th November, with the first race beginning at 11.40 and the final encounter following at 14.10.
Provisional Protyre Formula Renault BARC Winter Series with Michelin Standings (after Rds1&2): 13th Sean Walkinshaw, 18pts