Hi Tech Targeting British F3 Success at Spa

20 July 2007

The Hitech Racing team returns to the fabulous Spa Francorchamps circuit high in the Ardennes region of Belgium for the next two rounds of the Lloyds TSB Insurance British F3 International Series looking to further extend its lead at the top of the points standings. The 4.mile circuit is the longest on the calendar and one notorious for its monsoon-like weather, which forced the cancellation of the races two years ago.

After 12 of the 22 rounds, the team with Estonian Marko Asmer has a healthy 78-point advantage over their nearest rival Carlin’s Maro Engel, having secured seven wins and taking the top spot at least once at every circuit so far this year. Last time out, the 22 year-old notched up double pole, taking his total to six and took a commanding win in race one and third place in race two.

Despite that, the team refuses to get complacent and knows that with still ten rounds remaining, there’s a long way to go. “At the last rounds, at Brands, we really should have had a double victory,” said team boss David Hayle. “After securing pole for both races, we knew we had the pace and of course Marko has already proved himself as a quick and talented driver but he made an error in race two that cost him a second win. However he knows that and like us, we’ll put it behind us and look to Spa to try and repeat the double victory we had at Donington.

“We have a strong points advantage at the moment, but anything can happen in motorsport, and we can’t and won’t be complacent. We’ll still give it everything we’ve got to build up as many points as we can to try and extend that lead at each event, starting with Spa next week.”

For the Hitech team’s second driver, Austrian Walter Grubmüller, the stunning Spa circuit also looks likely to earn the F3 rookie more points, as it’s a track well known to the 18 year-old newcomer. The talented teenager, in his first season in the highly-competitive F3 series, has steadily improved at every outing and drove superbly last time out to take two points-scoring finishes.

Buoyed by that performance and with a welcome return to a familiar circuit for the former Formula Renault Eurocup driver, Grubmüller joins 22 year-old Asmer and the Silverstone-based team in their bid for a strong, solid result on this historic Grand Prix track which also hosts the famous Total 24 Hours of Spa endurance race for FIA GT’s.

The two 30 minute qualifying sessions for F3 take place at 18.40 on Thursday evening and 13.15 on Friday with the first of two races later on Friday evening at 18.35. The final race kicks off on Saturday morning at 11.45.

MPR Associates

See 2007 series calendar for British F3 Championship

Related Story 14.07.2007 - Double Pole for Asmer at Brands Hatch