News
Webb Takes Third in Formula Renault Championship
Webb Takes Third in Formula Renault Championship
Oliver Webb sealed an impressive third in the Formula Renault UK Championship at Brands Hatch last weekend. The Manchester-based driver, overcame the tribulations of the previous round to snatch third place overall from season-long rival, Dean Stoneman.
Having never raced on the extended Grand Prix layout at Brands Hatch, Webb had it all to do in the final round of the single seater Championship. Although he had never raced there before, Webb took solace in the fact that none of the teams had raced the latest specification Formula Renault cars on the longer, faster version of the historic Kent track. Also new to Webb was the name of Carbon Skin on the bodywork of his Formula Renault race car. The Burton on Trent-based vehicle wraps and graphic company had joined Oli Webb Racing for the final two races of the season.
Going into qualifying, the first year University student was confident, having clocked the second quickest time in both practices. Going into the first session, Webb decided to switch to the longer ratio set for his Formula Renault gearbox, an unusual move, but a gamble that soon paid off with him quickly posting the second fastest time. Second qualifying went less well with Webb catching traffic on the track and running under yellow flags for part of the session, ending up sixth.
To keep his chances of finishing in the top three in the Championship on track, Webb needed a good result in race one. An average start saw him stay behind the leader of the Championship, Dean Smith and stay there. Webb worked relentlessly at catching Smith after letting him get away and was right on his tail as the chequered flag fell. Pushing all the way, Webb set the fastest lap of the race and gained himself an extra point in the process.
Race two now had new significance with Webb needing to finish within six places of Dean Stoneman to take third with Smith having taken the Championship in race one. Concentrating hard on not stalling or going off, Webb got a poor start and was relegated to ninth place. With Stoneman up in third after a storming start, Webb was on tenterhooks throughout the race, wanting to pass but desperate not to go off and definitely miss out. Stoneman took the overtaking dilemma out of Webb’s hands when he was overtaken by newly crowned Champion Smith and out of third place in the standings. Webb held on for a nerve wracking final few laps to take 9th and third place in the 2009 Formula Renault UK Championship.
Afterwards an elated Webb commented: “That was hell in the last race trying to work out every lap where I was going to finish. I was overcautious on the start because I was desperate to finish and I nearly gave it away to Dean. Fortunately it all held together and I took third in the Championship which I am delighted with in such a competitive year. It has been tough because the other lads in the Championship race full time and many of them have major backing from F1 teams or major sponsors. That means they can concentrate just on racing and gets them a lot of specialist help and training. All through the season I have been at school doing my A-levels and I am now at University in Chester, it does make it tougher.”Looking forward to what next season might hold, Webb revealed: “Next season is up in the air at the moment and no final decisions have been made. I am testing a Formula 3 car in a couple of weeks with Fortec and I am also looking at a Indy Car test too. Having got this far I really want to take it to the next level in 2010 and I want to build some commercial partnerships with companies to make that happen. Anyone who is interested in backing a proven race winner and raising the profile of their company in motorsport can contact me through www.oliwebbracing.com”
Webb’s 2009 season has ended with an excellent third place in the Formula Renault UK Championship, when and where he will be back in action next season hasn’t yet been decided.
News
