Webb makes GT debut with Fortec Motorsport at the Rock
Posted on in Latest News
07 May 2013
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 2nd 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.
