23 August 2009

Zamparelli Races to Two Podiums at Brands Hatch              

BRDC Rising Star Dino Zamparelli claimed yet another two podium positions at Brands Hatch this weekend to launch himself firmly into 2nd place in the Championship.

The Mtech/Reon driver qualified in 4th position for race one and 3rd for race two. Reflecting on his performance in qualifying, Zamparelli said ‘Qualifying didn’t go to plan. I was lying in 2nd position right up to the final 5 minutes of qualifying. My last flying lap would have kept me in 2nd but I got blocked on the last corner and consequently lost 3 tenths.’

For race one, Zamparelli got off the line well and remained in 4th place. Once the tyres warmed up, Zamparelli then started to pile the pressure on Al Harthy for 3rd place.

Going into Paddock Hill bend on lap 6, Zamparelli’s increasing pressure seemed too much for Al Harthy, as he ran wide on the exit allowing Zamparelli to take advantage. Zamparelli then concentrated his efforts on 2nd place and managed to close down the gap. But the nature of the Brands Hatch Indy circuit meant there were limited overtaking opportunities.

Zamparelli crossed the line in a close 3rd position. ‘I’m not too disappointed’ said the sixteen year old Anglo Italian. ‘The race itself was really fun and I gained a lot of experience from it. Another two laps and I could have had 2nd place, but it’s taught me that qualifying is so, so important.’

For race two, Zamparelli jumped off the line well and moved up into 2nd place by the first corner. From there, he followed Kieren Clark to the chequered flag but could do nothing about overtaking Clark. 

‘Kieren (Clark) was just that little bit quicker than me today. It was about 2 to 3 tenths every lap and I tried my hardest but his experience round this track paid him dividends today,’ said Dino.

‘Nonetheless, I’m happy to have moved into 2nd place in the Championship and to have had a good, solid weekend. We had some issues in Friday free practice which meant we didn’t set the car up to how I preferably wanted. However, the guys from Mtech/Reon did a great job to get the car ready, so a big thanks to them.”

‘Also a big thanks to my sponsors for their support. I’m now looking forward to Rockingham where I aim to climb back to the top step!’

Rounds 10 & 11 of the Formula Renault BARC Championship will take place at Rockingham, on the 6th September 2009.