Webb’s triathlon debut at Wilmslow

After making his GT debut at Round 2 of the Avon Tyres British GT championship at Rockingham over the bank holiday weekend (4^th – 6^th May), British racing driver Oliver Webb made a debut at something different yesterday by taking part in the Wilmslow Triathlon.
A triathlon novice, Webb chose the Wilmslow Triathlon due to the sprint distance and the closeness to his Cheshire home.
He completed the 400m swim, 24.2 km cycle and 5.6 km run in a time of tbc.
Webb commented: “I have been keen on taking part in a triathlon for a while now to test my fitness levels and this seemed to be the perfect match, close to my home and known as the biggest and best sprint triathlon in Greater Manchester and beyond. I really enjoyed the experience, the crowds were fantastic and it’s certainly very different to racing in a cockpit!
“I would also like to thank Starley Bikes, Zone3 and Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative for their support.”
Webb returns to the cockpit of his World Series by Renault FR3.5 racer for Round 3 of the championship on the streets of Monaco over the weekend of 25-26 May. For information on Oliver Webb, visit www.oliwebbracing.com or follow @oliverjameswebb on Twitter.
For details about upcoming Xtra Mile Events triathlons please go to www.xtramileevents.com , like the Facebook page www.facebook.com/TriathlonUK and follow Xtra Mile Events on Twitter @GreatTriathlons .
END

Webb makes GT debut with Fortec Motorsport at the Rock

Series:                   Avon Tyres British GT championship

Track:                    Rockingham, UK

Track length:      1.274 miles (2.050 km)

Date:                     04-06 May 2013

Qualifying:          Pos. 13;  Time: 1m23.871s + 1.302s

Race:                     Pos. P1 during Webb Stint, DNF post 2^nd driver change.

British racing driver Oliver Webb made his GT debut this weekend as he shared the driving duties in the Fortec Motorsport Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 at Round 2 of the Avon Tyres British GT championship at Rockingham. Webb joined Paraguayan driver Danny Candia, and showed his pace throughout the weekend with the team unfortunate to be forced into a retirement following a racing incident.

Webb made the most of the weekend’s practice session to get to grips with his new car, and was quickly up to speed around the 2.50km circuit. He worked closely with his new teammate to optimise the set up of the SLS AMG GT3, and looked to be in a strong position going into Qualifying. The session saw Webb and Candia posting competitive laptimes and pushing the second Fortec Motorsport Mercedes, who had claimed pole position at the opening round of the championship at Oulton Park. Despite a slight issue with tyres in the closing stages of the session, Webb and Candia claimed P13 as the chequered flag dropped.

The race took place in warm British sunshine, and saw Webb in the car for the start on a grid of 32 cars. The BRDC driver made a strong start off the line, and immediately moved through the field as drivers battled hard for position. A stunning opening lap from Webb saw him move up to P8, but his charge was then halted with the deployment of the safety car.

Once released, the 22 year old Brit made a good restart and looked to continue to pressure the cars in front, while battling hard with the #9 McLaren and #6 Aston Martin. Over the course of the next few laps, Webb moved up to P4 and pushing for the final podium position. In the closing 20 minutes of his stint, Webb gradually reeled in the lead group and took the race lead of the 32 car GT field just before he pitted to hand over driving responsibilities to his teammate, Candia.

Candia returned to the track and continued to battle hard, and make the most of the strong position Webb had secured. However, contact with one of the McLaren 12C GT3s of United Autosports caused damage to the front suspension of the Mercedes, forcing the team to retire.

Commenting on his GT race debut, Webb explained: ‘What a great experience! It is obviously disappointing that we weren’t able to make it to the end, but it was great to move up through the grid, and to actually lead the race on my debut before handing over to Danny. The setup of the car felt really strong, and I am really grateful to Fortec for the opportunity to get into the car this weekend.  It was an unfortunate end to a great race, and Danny was unlucky, but overall it was a great weekend.’

Webb returns to the cockpit of his World Series by Renault FR3.5 racer for Round 3 of the championship on the streets of Monaco over the weekend of 25-26 May. Ahead of this, David Mason Watches will present the latest motorsport-inspired designs in the Principality. The collection includes the limited edition, custom-made Oliver Webb Racing model, which features Webb’s signature on the face of the chronograph.

Log on to www.worldseriesbyrenault.com for additional details about the Championship. For information on Oliver Webb, visit www.oliwebbracing.com or follow him on twitter, www.twitter.com/oliverjameswebb.

Webb battles hard despite tricky conditions in Aragon

Series:                   World Series by Renault FR3.5

Track:                    Aragon, Spain

Track length:      3.321 miles (5.344 km)

Date:                     27-28 April 2013

Qualifying 1:       Pos. 9;  Time: 1m55.312s + 1.006s

Race 1:                  Pos. 11;  + 41.520s

Qualifying 2:       Pos. 19;  Time: 2m18.056s  + 5.753s

Race 2:                  Pos. 17;  + 1m44.026s

British racing driver Oliver Webb travelled to Aragon, Spain for round 2 of the World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship, looking to continue the strong start to the season. Some hard-fought battles, in difficult conditions throughout the weekend, saw Webb narrowly miss out on further championship points, claiming P11 in race 1 followed by P19 in race 2.

The weekend’s activities started with an extended test session, after the pre-season dates at the Spanish circuit had been cancelled due to extreme weather.  Qualifying for the first race of the weekend started in the wet, with the track remaining damp throughout, which meant the whole field remained on wet tyres. Webb showed strong pace throughout the session and, despite aging tyres and a minor mistake on the exit of the last corner on his final flying lap in the tricky conditions, secured P9.

Lining up alongside his Fortec Motorsport teammate, Webb struggled with traction off the line at the start of Race 1, dropping out of the points-positions. A hard battle ensued, with Webb showing good pace, and moved back up to P11, while continuing to close the gap to the group in front. However, despite consistent laptimes, Webb was unable to regain the elusive 10^th position, and narrowly missed out on a points finish, in what was a frustrating session for the young Brit.

Following the race, an engine problem was detected on Webb’s car and the engine was changed. However, the following morning, as a precautionary measure for all teams, the weekend’s second qualifying session and race were shortened due to the engine issue.

The reduced qualifying for Race 2 was interrupted by several red flag periods and, in the final minute of the session, Webb was still to set a laptime. The conditions had worsened and, as Webb made a last ditch attempt to push himself up the grid, he was unlucky to lose traction on the slippery circuit. Despite the spin, Webb rejoined the track and crossed the line in P19.

The rain continued into the race, which saw BRDC Superstar driver Webb make a strong start, and immediately looking to make up places. However, Webb’s charge was hampered as he struggled for grip in the treacherous conditions. Pushing hard for position, he lost traction and span, which dropped him to the back of the field. Determined, Webb returned to the track and set about chasing down the pack again. Webb continued to challenge until the chequered flag, and managed to recover to his starting position of P19.

Commenting on the weekend, Webb explained: ‘Overall, it was a difficult weekend, but one we can learn from. I was disappointed not to score points in either race, especially as we were so close in race 1. However, it’s all valuable experience and I am now fully focused on heading to Monaco for the next round where, hopefully, the weather will be a bit sunnier!’

Round 3 of the World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship takes place on the streets of Monaco over the weekend of 25-26 May. Webb will also be with David Mason Watches in Monaco releasing the new Limited Edition signature watch from pair.

Log on to www.worldseriesbyrenault.com for additional details about the Championship. For information on Oliver Webb, visit www.oliwebbracing.com or follow him on twitter, www.twitter.com/oliverjameswebb.

Double points finish for Webb at season opener in Monza

Series: World Series by Renault FR3.5

Track: Monza, Italy
Track length: 3.599 miles (5.792 km)
Date: 5-7 April 2013

Qualifying 1: Pos. 10; Time: 1m48.134s +2.718s
Race 1: Pos. 4; + 8.991s
Qualifying 2: Pos. 11; Time: 1m49.205s + 1.340s
Race 2: Pos. 9; + 41.314

British racing driver Oliver Webb got his 2013 season off to a strong start on the famous Italian circuit of Monza, scoring points in both races for Fortec Motorsports and narrowly missed out on a podium position on his return to the World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship. The racer, who recently celebrated his 22nd birthday, claimed a hard-fought fourth place in race 1, to help the team score its highest points haul in the championship to date, followed by ninth place in race 2.

Unsettled weather over the weekend saw free practice sessions run in both dry and wet conditions, and qualifying 1 saw Webb start the session on wet tyres, running as high as P2 as the track started to dry out. A bold switch to slick tyres as time ran down proved slightly too early, and he was unable to improve his time further, and ended the session P10.

Starting from the fifth row on the grid, BRDC driver Webb made an aggressive start as the lights went green to move his way through the field, and was quickly up to sixth. From here, he settled in to a rhythm, and worked on closing the gap to the pack ahead, being quick to capitalise on the opportunity when two battling cars ahead came together. In the closing phase of the race he worked on reducing the gap to the final podium position, and opened up a lead over the chasing pack. Despite battling hard all the way to the chequered flag, he claimed fourth place, with teammate Stoffel Vandoorne taking overall victory for Fortec Motorsports.

Extremely wet conditions for the weekend’s second qualifying session saw Webb push hard but, in tricky conditions, the young Knutsford-born driver would end the session in P11. Another strong start saw Webb again make up positions off the grid, and a bold move saw him in fifth place by the exit of turn 1. He continued to battle for the remainder of the race and was in sixth place going into the final lap, having built a large gap to the chasing pack. However, a puncture with two corners remaining, including the high speed Curva Parabolica, saw him do well to maintain control, and nurse the car home to claim ninth.

With a double-points finish, Webb completed a solid weekend in the season opener for Fortec Motorsports and is sixth in the championship. ‘We had a strong pre-season test programme, and I was feeling confident and excited to get back into the car for the start of the season. It’s great to be racing back in Europe, and it was great for me to score points in both races. I’d also like to add my congratulations for Stoffel on his victory.

‘Overall, it was a really good first weekend, and great results for the team. It was unfortunate to end with a puncture, which lost me a few positions, but there are a lot of positives to take from the weekend, the balance of the car felt good, and I am really looking forward to getting to Motorland to try and challenge for a podium.’

Webb now returns to the UK to continue his development work with the British single-seat BAC Mono supercar, along with training and further simulator work as he prepares for Round 2 of the World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship at Motorland, Aragon over the weekend of 27-28 April.

Log on to www.worldseriesbyrenault.com for additional details about the Championship. For information on Oliver Webb, visit www.oliwebbracing.com or follow him on twitter, www.twitter.com/oliverjameswebb.

Trudi Beswick, chief executive of Caudwell Children, said: “We are hugely grateful for the ongoing support we have received from Oliver and the commitment he shows to support Caudwell Children. It’s the first time we have had anyone take part in the Adidas Silverstone Half Marathon in aid of our charity and we will all be behind Oliver’s efforts. Oliver has lots of friends and supporters from his exploits on the track and I would urge all of them to support his latest challenge and get behind his fundraising.”
To sponsor Oliver, visit http://www.justgiving.com/oliwebb123

Having just finished a small documentary on myself filming with the BBC on my career I was now set to head towards my first Pre Season test at Monza in Italy, or at least it was meant to be. Snow struck overnight and caused huge issues with safety with all the gravel traps iced up! Having never driven the car this was a very important test and to fly all the way to Italy on Valentines day to spend it looking at ice on a track and fly back, wasn’t so good! The next test after this was in Spain, 3 hours south of Barcelona. This test went ahead and went ahead well, getting some good miles under my belt and doing a good job. On the second day however I woke up to snow…again!! Somehow in Spain near march, it had fallen hard and cancelled the day once again. There was little to do now at the track with all our fights the next day other than prepare set ups for the test in 2 weeks at Paul Riccard in France. So what did we do to pass the time? Well, this……  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ_dmA9u1m8

Webb prepares for his BBC screen debut ahead of 2013 World Series by Renault FR3.5 season

.A one-off documentary following up-and-coming British racing driver Oliver Webb will be aired on BBC1 North West later this month, giving a unique insight the preparations for his return to the World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship. The programme, ‘Inside Out’, fronted by BBC Radio 2 and 6music presenter Chris Hawkins, will be shown in the UK on BBC1 North West at 19.30GMT, Monday 11 February 2013.

The fly-on the-wall-documentary follows 21-year old BRDC Superstar driver Webb for a week during the busy pre-season build-up, giving a glimpse into the often unseen work that goes into forging a career in motorsport. The documentary captures Oli as he prepares for the next step on the ladder towards his ultimate goal of Formula 1™, as he gets ready to start the 2013 season with Fortec Motorsport, the team he spent two successful seasons with contesting the Formula Renault championship in 2008 and 2009 and claimed third place in the British Formula 3 championship with in 2010.

Webb knows what is expected in order to race in the competitive World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship having contested the 2011 season, and the film crew follows his busy schedule working through a rigorous training regime as he gets into shape and prepares for the physical demands that the 2013 calendar will throw at him. There is also an insight into Webb’s role as test driver for BAC, as he continues to work on the development of the single-seat Mono sportscar.

Webb gives presenter Hawkins a behind the scenes look at how preparations are progressing at Fortec Motorsport, simulator sessions at the factory of reigning Formula 1™ world champions Red Bull Racing, as well as a look at some of the PR and marketing work that race drivers must undertake, as the Knutsford-born racer attends promotional photoshoots and pre-season interviews at the World Series by Renault workshop.

Webb explained: ‘It has been a busy few months during the off-season preparing for the start of the new World Series by Renault championship, and I can’t wait to get back out on track with Fortec – a team I have tasted success with before in my career, and hopefully will again soon.’

He continued: ‘This documentary followed me during a typically busy week which was packed with preparations for the season, and gives a look at how I am preparing myself for racing back in Europe after a year in the US. It also shows the other elements that I am currently involved with, working with the team at BAC as a development driver, and also how I have been working with the team at Red Bull Racing and using the simulator to keep my reflexes and driving at the necessary levels to hit the ground running when we get to Monza for the first race of the season.’

Webb continues his preparations for the 2013 World Series by Renault FR3.5 season with a trip to Italy, where he will spend Valentine’s Day testing with Fortec Motorsport, ahead of the first race of the season over the weekend 6-7 April.

‘Inside Out’ will be shown in the UK on BBC1 North West at 19.30GMT, Monday 11 February 2013, and will also be available for viewers outside of the North West region via the red button, and on the BBC iPlayer – http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/tv.

For further information about Oliver Webb, visit http://www.oliwebbracing.com/ or follow him on twitter, www.twitter.com/oliverjameswebb.

Webb signs with Fortec Motorsports for 2013 World Series by Renault FR3.5 Championship

British racing driver Oliver Webb has today confirmed his plans for the 2013 season, announcing that he will join Fortec Motorsports to compete in the World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship. BRDC Superstar driver Webb joins 2012 Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup champion, Belgian Stoffel Vandoorne, to complete a competitive driver pairing for the British-based team.

Cheshire-born Webb has a strong relationship with Fortec Motorsports having spent two successful seasons contesting in the Formula Renault championship in 2008 and 2009, before remaining with the team to progress to British Formula 3 in 2010. The 2010 season with Fortec saw the former MSA Team UK driver and current BRDC member claim three wins, 14 podiums, and eight fastest laps en route to finishing third in the championship behind current Formula 1T driver Jean-Eric Vergne.

The announcement marks a return to European racing for the 21-year British driver, and a second season in the competitive World Series by Renault FR3.5 championship having contested the 2011 season. 2012 saw a move across to the United States, and an impressive rookie campaign racing in the Firestone IndyLights Series with Sam Schmidt Motorsports (SSM), finishing seventh in the drivers’ championship and claiming the team’s 50th pole position in Detroit.

Commenting on his return to Fortec for the 2013 season, Oliver Webb explained: “I couldn’t be happier to be coming back to Fortec after having completed two seasons in Formula Renault and a season in Formula 3 very successfully with the team. We were speaking to a variety of championships and teams for the 2013 season but, when the opportunity arose with Fortec, it was a clear decision. I’m really looking forward to pushing hard in a great championship with a strong teammate and, of course, with a championship-winning team – a recipe for success. What a Christmas!”

Richard Dutton, Fortec Motorsports Team Owner, added: “Oliver is a great driver and I’m really pleased to have him back in the team. We have a great relationship with him, and we’ve really seen him grow through the years, and he is an incredibly talented driver. We had a fantastic season in the FR3.5 during 2012, and we want to regain our championship title; with Stoffel and Oliver on the team I believe we will be top contenders again for 2013.”

Following the conclusion of the 2012 Firestone IndyLights season, Webb has returned to the UK for an intensive winter training schedule, and has also continued his role of test driver with British car manufacturer BAC. This role has seen Webb take part in events throughout 2012 showcasing the single-seat Mono sports car, including at the Goodwood Festival of Speed, CarFest and Cholmondeley Pageant of Power.

For further information about Oliver Webb, visit http://www.oliwebbracing.com/ or follow him on twitter, www.twitter.com/oliverjameswebb”

1.)  You finished 7th in your first full season in Indy Lights.  How do you feel about your season?

I feel the pre season testing went really well being in the top 2 every time we went out on track. I certainly learned a great deal having never done ovals and having never seen any of the tracks apart from Edmonton. We had a pole at Detroit which was SSM’s 50th pole which was an honour to get.

2.) What was the toughest track to learn for you?

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway was a tough track to crack but I absolutely loved driving it. I’d say my weakness lied in the short ovals which my qualifying was not good enough.

3.) Which track was the most fun for you?

Driving round IMS for the first time was a feeling that will never be topped until I win the Indy500. It was just amazing!!

4.) What is one the one track you wish Indy Lights raced at?

I wished we did laguna Seca!!

5.) It seems a lot of Indy Lights drivers all get along and hang out outside of the track.  Which drivers do you hang with?

I got along really well with my team mates and actually just off to Texas now for the F1 and I get to see my buddy Tristan Vautier.

6.) Does that make it easier or more difficult when there is conflict on the track?

No difference, once the helmet is on racing is racing, team mate or no team mate. The only reason it can be more tense is due to how much more time you will have to spend near the person after!

7.) Who do you consider to be the most aggressive driver in Indy Lights?

I wouldn’t be able to point it out, different driving styles on ovals and street courses for different drivers make it hard to say.

8.) Have you had any “groupies” yet?

Well I wouldn’t say Groupies really but some cool interested fans yes certainly ! The USA has such a great following in motorsport and it was fantastic to feel that throughout the year.

9.) It’s early, but how are the plans for 2013 coming along?

We will see, I would love to be back on the Firestone Indy Lights Grid.

10.) What’s the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you at the track?

Probably leaving an autograph session acting ‘all cool’ and then dropping my newly painted helmet and watching it roll down the paddock as the crowd of fans parted!

11.) The Indy Lights series is supposed to get a new car for the 2014 season.  What would be your suggestions to those working on designing the new cars?

I would say more downforce, enclosed wheels, more power, paddle shift, flat shift and more adjustments within the car.

12.) What’s the strangest thing you’ve been asked to autograph?

Someones…anatomy!

13.) Own up to it, did you ever own a Spice Girls album?

Maybe a single…

Ok, time for the lightening round:

- Worst song ever recorded?
‘Friday’ – Rebecca Black

- Keep Calm and…
‘Leave me alone I know what I’m doing’ Kimi Riakonnen 2012

- Boxers or briefs?
Boxers

- iPhone or Android?
iPhone

- Pizza Hut or Dominos?
Dominos

- Dream car?
1967 Shelby Mustang GT500 – got it 

- Favorite vacation spot?
Maldives

- Britney Spears best song is…
The one where she doesn’t open her mouth [RB:  How dare you!  Britney is an angel from heaven!  ]

- Favorite movie?
Shawshank redemption

- Justin Bieber looks like…
A pretty talented guy to be fair!

- Worst car you’ve ever driven?
Nissan Micra!

- Worst racecar you’ve ever driven?
Everycar I don’t win in! Haha (joking!)

- People should not wear Abercrombie and Fitch clothes if they are over the age of…
Your as young as you feel, in the case of my dad…18!

You can follow Oliver on Twitter @oliverjameswebb