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Webb Shrugs off Shunt to Show True Potential

Knutsford-based Formula Renault driver, Oli Webb, put in a top drawer performance in the final European round at the historic Spa F1 circuit in Belgium.

Webb had gone to Belgium to keep his preparations for the 2009 season in full swing. The availability of nine hours of testing at Spa allowed Webb and his British series counterparts to have a slightly more even playing field. However, although Webb’s testing showed great promise, a huge accident going exiting Eau Rouge in the wet left the car damaged and requiring a six hour repair.

When Saturday came, Webb took to the single 50 minute qualifying session with his customary zeal and determination. The Formula BMW graduate pushed hard, despite wet conditions and managed to set time good enough for sixth on the Saturday gird and third on the Sunday.

For the first race the A-level student got one of his customary good starts and was soon challenging round the outside. Meanwhile, Webb’s Fortec team mate, friend and rival, James Calado was trying just a little too hard to keep his excellent third on the grid. Calado went straight on and in avoiding the ensuing melee, Webb thrust his way to third.

Unfortunately with all the traffic around the accident, the Cheshire born driver was in the wrong gear on the entrance to the next straight and he ended up fifth. Unperturbed the North-West born driver took advantage of a tow and managed to get to fourth briefly, before the driver behind re-took the place. After that Webb held station and despite Herculean efforts was unable to find a way past.

When the Sunday race arrived the Spa circuit was having some of its famous weather. After Zandvoort, Webb had thought it was impossible to race in wetter conditions, but Spa provided just that, with a track so wet that Noah was in with a chance of a podium. The race was started behind the safety car and from there Webb got a reasonable if very cautious start. A huge accident in the previous race, which had hospitalised the driver, left everyone feeling their way round the treacherous circuit.

Webb managed to stay clear of much of the chaos, with cars frequently trading places and bodywork in the spray. For much of the race, the wet weather specialist held his position and even managed to get himself alongside the second place man, fellow Fortec driver, Alex Morgan. But the experienced European driver wasn’t going to let him past, despite Webb’s best efforts. On one ambitious move, the graduate cup driver outbraked himself and ended up with one tyre on the fearsomely slippery white lines, spinning him down to fourth where he ended the race.

Webb will be rounding off 2009 with two appearances in the Formula Renault Winter Series at Croft and Donington, which will help to keep Webb fresh for 2009.