Kral sets the pace at Brands Hatch test session

In the glorious Kent sunshine, the group of 18 young drivers made the most of the 14 hours of track time made available exclusively to them over the two days.

Josef Kral (Double R Racing) proved once again the man to beat clocking quickest overall times on each of the two test days. Kral commented: “It’s going well and I‘m happy to still be up at the top following the first test session at Rockingham. I want to win!”
 
Henry Surtees (Carlin Motorsport) again emerged as one of the quickest Rookies. “The last two days have been all about preparing for the first race and we’ve had really good sessions.  It’s a steep learning curve at the moment as even though I’ve raced here in Ginetta Junior, Formula BMW is very different.”

Swedish Rookie Marcus Ericsson (Fortec Motorsport) topped the afternoon times reaffirming that the 2007 Rookies look ready to challenge at the front right from the start of the season.

Stephen Jelley in his Double R Racing F3 car took to the track in the lunch hour, giving drivers a close up view of the prize they are competing for. As well as the coveted trophy, this year’s Formula BMW UK Champion will receive a test drive in the F3 car.

Peter Walker, General Manager, Sports Marketing, BMW (UK) commented: “The Formula BMW UK Championship provides a fantastic introduction to competitive single seater racing and is committed to offering young drivers the chance to realise their potential. An F3 test with Double R Racing is a great incentive and will offer this season's Champion valuable experience as they pursue their F1 dream."

After two official tests, and with such close lap times, the stage is set for a thrilling Formula BMW UK Championship opener when the group return to the short Indy circuit at Brands Hatch on April 1.

The final official pre-season test for all teams is at Croft on 22/23 March.

Brands Hatch Indy Combined Times.
Thursday, 15 March 2007
1 Josef Kral (Double R Racing)   46.355
2 Valle Makela (Nexa Racing)    46.555
3 Henry Surtees (R) (Carlin Motorsport)  46.620
4 Henry Arundel (Fortec Motorsport)   46.670
5 Jonathan Legris (Motaworld Racing)   46.704
6 Marcus Ericsson (R) (Fortec Motorsport)  46.767
7 Adrian Quaife-Hobbs (R) (Fortec Motorsport) 46.961
8 Sam Abay (Team Loctite)    46.968
9 Kimiya Sato (Rowan Motor Racing Ltd)  46.988
10 Daniel McKenzie (Fortec Motorsport)  47.010
  
Friday, 16 March 2007
1 Josef Kral (Double R Racing)   46.154
2  Marcus Ericsson (R) (Fortec Motorsport)  46.539 
3 Jonathan Legris (Motaworld Racing)   46.567
4 Henry Arundel (Fortec Motorsport)   46.623
5 Henry Surtees (R) (Carlin Motorsport)  46.669
6 Valle Makela (Nexa Racing)    46.706
7 Sam Abay (Carlin Motorsport)   46.721
8 Oliver Webb (R) (Carlin Motorsport)   46.846
9 Daniel McKenzie (Fortec Motorsport)  46.920
10 Kimiya Sato (Rowan Motor Racing Ltd)  46.961
 
R indicates driver eligible for Rookie Cup