John enjoys best weekend to date - 20.05.2012
2012 UK Ford Fiesta Championship, Rounds 5 & 6, Donington Park
The Fiesta series moved to Donington Park for rounds 5 & 6, supporting the International Superstars Championship, which boasts such drivers as Johnny Herbert and Vitantonio Liuzzi. For the Fiesta drivers, this meant racing on the longer GP circuit.
In dry conditions, John enjoyed his best qualifying performance of the year so far on Saturday, coming in 3rd fastest. He wasn't able to put it to best use on Sunday morning however, dropping to 6th at turn 1, Redgate. Slotting straight back past David Abbott and Jason Cooper, John ran 4th at the Old Hairpin. The Foley brothers - Andrew and Matthew - fought over 2nd place, allowing leader Aaron Trigwell to build up a gap. Subsequently, a five car battle for 2nd place ensued with lots of place changing and side-by-side action. John settled into third after a clash between Cooper and Andrew Foley, then went onto push Matthew Foley hard; nearly passing at the Old Hairpin. Cooper came back however and ultimately John finished up a close 4th place after a hard fought race.
For race 2, 'ball 4' was drawn and so John was given the reverse grid pole. He had another difficult start though and was down to 2nd place at Redgate, dropping to 3rd after a big sideways moment. Matthew Foley and John then went side by side for nearly half the lap, battling over 3rd, which Matthew took. At the start of lap two, Matthew ran wide and John slipped through. He then caught Andrew quickly and slipped down the inside into Redgate. Cooper however was too quick so John pulled a gap to the Foleys and had to settle for second place; his third second place finish from the three race meetings so far this year.
"Donington has given me the best pair of results of the year so far, a real solid weekend, so I'm happy. Improvement is always possible, so I'll keep working hard. You never know, we might catch Jason one day!"
Cadwell Park is next and will present a brand new challenge on 2nd & 3rd June.
Race 1 Result |
Race 2 Result |
| 1 Aaron Trigwell | 1 Jason Cooper |
| 2 Jason Cooper | 2 John Langridge |
| 3 Matthew Foley | 3 Matthew Foley |
| 4 John Langridge | 4 Nicholas Bowers |
| 5 Nicholas Bowers | 5 Andrew Foley |
| 6 David Abbott | 6 David Abbott |
