Ryan Hooker Impresses in FIA GT Race at Brno

30 June 2005

MSportUK Featured Driver, Ryan Hooker (Upminster) further bolstered his reputation as a rising star in the world of Sportscar racing last weekend at the international FIA GT race held at Brno in the Czech Republic. Racing with Graham Nash Motorsport in the No8 Saleen, Ryan aided the team to another top ten finish in the three hour race.

Ryan, whose regular series is the British GT Championship in the Emotional Engineering Monaro, has been taking the opportunity this year to race in selected international events as he continues to climb the motorsport ladder. Having debuted in the FIA GT series with Graham Nash Motorsport earlier this year at Silverstone, he was delighted to be given the opportunity to travel to the Czech Republic to join the team once more. Ryan was partnered in the race by Italian Luca Pirri and local Brno hero, Robert Senkyr.

This was Ryan's first time at the undulating Brno track and he was impressed from the outset. "I have to say it's straight in there as one of my favourite tracks I've ever raced on. It's challenging to drive, blind exits, sweeping corners - it had everything to make it an interesting drive and a good wide track to race GTs on."

In very hot conditions, Ryan was quick to make his mark qualifying the team in 13th position impressing the team's sporting director, Andy Woolgar who commented "I was very pleased with Ryan's effort today. He is showing his potential at this high level and proving our faith in him as a team. The thing I like about him is his 'natural' feel for speed."

The blistering heat gave way on Saturday evening as a heavy thunderstorm raged well into Sunday morning providing challenging conditions for Sunday's race.

The race was started by Luca Pirri on a still damp track who handed over to Robert Senkyr for the middle stint just as the heaven's opened once more. Robert, who had not driven the Saleen before, had to use all his local knowledge in the heavy downpour.

The team elected for Ryan to finish the final one hour and eight minutes of the race and as his chance to shine came so did the sun! It did mean a difficult decision for Ryan and the team, whether to go out on intermediate tyres as the track dried or to go to slicks straight away. Opting for slick tyres, Ryan 'tip-toed' for his first few tentative laps as the circuit dried and he was able to go flat out. A top end engine misfire caused some concern but did not stop Ryan, who took the car over in 17th position, storming through to 13th overall and tenth in class. But, perhaps the most outstanding feat of his drive was his lap times were just tenths off cars in the top five!

"I had the most marvellous weekend" said Ryan afterwards, "It was a wonderful track to experience, the Saleen was a great car to drive again and I felt as if I had a real race. I was flat out for my whole stint, intent on moving us up as far as possible - it was just a great racing experience which I hope to repeat soon.

"Obviously it is very hard for me not to think about driving in the full FIA championship next year if the possibility arose. It is obviously where I want to be and where I am working to get to. I hope I have proved that I am ready for that challenge and I hope I can raise the sponsorship and backing necessary to grab that opportunity if and when it comes along. In the meantime I'm looking forward to the rest if the British GT series in the Monaro, and hopefully another international race before the end of the season."

RH

See 2005 series calendar for FIA GT Championship

Related Story 22.06.2005 - Brit GT's Ryan Hooker Heads to Czech Republic for FIA GT Race