Hyman Leads as FPA Autumn Trophy Hits Climax

01 November 2004

The Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Trophy is set for a rousing climax at the legendary Brands Hatch circuit this weekend, with just 20 points covering the top five drivers after last month's three races at Snetterton.

With another trio of races to be run on the 1.2-mile Brands Hatch Indy circuit this weekend, there are plenty of points still up for grabs, meaning that the chase for the Autumn Trophy title is very much alive and kicking.

South African FPA regular Chris Hyman found himself in the lead of the championship after a stunningly consistent weekend at Snetterton. A second, a sixth and Hyman's second ever FPA victory left him at the top of the standings after a weekend in which he showed just how much his speed and racecraft has matured.

"It's fantastic to be leading the Autumn Trophy after the first three races at Snetterton," said Hyman. "I will be driving to win this weekend but my focus at Brands Hatch will be consistency. I will be aiming to finish in the top five in each of the three races and no doubt there will be some fierce competition."

Just nine points behind Hyman is young gun Matt Harris, who came third in last year's Autumn Trophy. He is just one point ahead of Hyman's biggest threat, FPA returnee Stephen Young, who won two out of three races at Snetterton and was only denied a hat trick by a collision with Icelandic Viktor Jensen in race three.

Teenager Jensen started the Autumn Trophy as one of the favourites, having improved beyond measure during the regular season, but some bad luck at Snetterton has left him down in seventh with some work to do if he is to claim his first FPA title. He clearly had the speed last time out, and was the only man to match Young for speed, so he will see nothing to lose by going on an all-out charge this weekend.

At joint fourth in the standings alongside Scotsman David Joseph is Kent-based FPA regular Paul Warren, from Sidcup, who impressed at Snetterton with a pair of podium finishes.

Another Kent man Terry White, from Broadhurst, Gillingham, is in sixth place in the points. At 55, White is one of FPA's more mature drivers but showed he still has plenty of speed at Snetterton by scoring his first ever FPA podium. He will be keen to capitalise on his current form and maybe even aim for that maiden victory at his home circuit.

Behind Jensen in seventh place is London-based Stuart Prior, who once again showed blistering speed to qualify in second twice at Snetterton, but had various first-lap dramas once the races got underway. Regular season improvers Anthony Pinto (USA) and John Embiricos (GRE) are ninth and 10th in the points, and worth watching too.

For more local interest, keep an eye on Sittingbourne-based Gary Eastwood, who is 12th in the points after Snetterton. Always quick at his home track, Eastwood should move up the order to reclaim his customary spot in the top 10 this weekend.

Among the other interesting drivers to watch are ex-Greek Formula 3 driver Daniel Tapinos, rising UK single-seater star Joshua Southall, ex-FPA frontrunner Gino Ussi from Italy and ex-professional ice hockey player, Canadian Cody Leibel.

A new arrival for the series this weekend is West Sussex driver Roberto Tirone, who makes his FPA debut at Brands.

Images from the Snetterton Autumn Trophy races are available now in the Gallery.

Related Story 25.10.2004 - Hyman Leads FPA Autumn Trophy Asfter Dramatic Snetterton Openers