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Croft Consistency Keeps Webb in the Lead
Croft Consistency Keeps Webb in the Lead Knutsford-based racing driver, Oliver Webb (18), had another podium filled weekend at the Croft round of the Formula Renault UK Championship to keep his lead in the 2009 driver’s title. Webb had gone into the weekend on top of the driver’s standings and testing had gone well to start with. A setback came in the second session when a broken battery cable lost him 45-minutes of running on a track which now had significant rubber laid down on it by other cars. Webb had qualified third in the first session, denied a front row place by somebody exiting the pits at the beginning of his best flying lap. The start to race one was frenetic, with Webb getting a better start than either of the front row men. Unfortunately, Championship rival, Dean Stoneman also got a clean getaway and Webb had to quickly go defensive. From there it was a fight, tooth and nail, with a fiercely determined Stoneman right on Webb’s tail. Eventually, Webb pulled away from Stoneman and matched the first and second placed drivers all the way to the line to secure third place. Race two saw Webb targeting another podium, having qualified fourth. Fortec set the car up to be good while following another car, with overtaking very difficult at the ultra-tight Croft circuit. Webb got a good start and virtually attached himself to rival Stoneman’s rear diffuser. Fellow Fortec driver and Championship rival, James Calado had been first on the grid, but a mechanical issue dropped him down the order before he retired in the early part of the race. Now on for a podium place, Webb was determined to get past Stoneman with the former-Formula BMW driver clearly having the superior pace. Despite his best efforts, Webb was unable to pass Stoneman on the tight circuit and had to settle for his second third of the day. Afterwards a delighted Webb commented: “To lead the Championship for a second weekend at this relatively early stage is great news for me. I was really quick at Silverstone in testing last time out so I am hoping that means I get the results to extend my lead. I have learnt a lot from these first few races and I am really gunning for the title now.” Webb is next in action at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit on the first weekend in August.
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