Webb battles hard despite tricky conditions in Aragon
Posted on in Latest News
29 April 2013
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 10th 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.