6 September 2009
Disappointment for Zamparelli at the Rock
BRDC Rising Star Dino Zamparelli’s weekend at Rockingham started off brightly with quick times posted on Friday free practice. With qualifying looming, Zamparelli was happy with the balance of his Reon/Mtech Formula Renault, qualifying an impressive 2nd for race one and pole position for race two.
A happy Zamparelli explained: “Qualifying went really well. The team did a really great job on Friday to sort a few problems out with me. I didn’t quite get the maximum out of the tyres in the first qualifying session, but the information gathered put me on pole for the second one!”
“What I liked about that pole position was that it was early in the session. To push hard early and get a time out of it, was where I was initially struggling, but thanks to my team, I think it’s sorted,” said Dino.
Starting on the front row for race one, Zamparelli was in a confident mood. He was off the line well, and immediately drew alongside Clark for first. As the pair scurried into the first corner, it was Zamparelli who braked last. Edging slightly ahead of his competitor on the outside, Zamparelli had to concede the corner to Clark, being on the outside line. Sixteen year old Zamparelli then slotted into 2nd place and pressured Clark all the way to the chequered flag.
“I braked just a fraction too late; however I know I could have made that move stick. But I did not want to risk the car on the first bend of the first lap. Unfortunately this meant that once I was in 2nd, unless Kieren (Clark) made any mistakes, I had to be content where I was. I pushed really hard throughout to keep him on his toes, but it wasn’t quite enough in the end.”
For race two, Zamparelli started on pole, but didn’t get quite such a good start with too much wheel spin. This allowed the fast starting Clark to immediately draw up alongside Zamparelli and start to push him towards the pit wall.
As the first bend approached, which is taken at full throttle, Zamparelli was still on the inside line and kept his line as Clark turned into the corner. The pair made contact almost immediately as the race started (within approximately 300 metres) which meant both ended the race in retirement. This also dramatically ended Zamparelli’s chance for the title, as it is mathematically impossible for Zamparelli to now win the Championship.
Clark was later to receive three points on his licence, and a fine, for the incident between to the two drivers.
Zamparelli explained: “I didn’t get the best of starts. Kieren (Clark) was level with me very soon. Approaching the first bend, his side pod was next to my front wing. Unfortunately, he thought he had the corner and turned in. I simply had nowhere to go!
“For a driver of Kieren’s (Clark) experience, I thought it was a dangerous manoeuvre. He had lots of room on the outside, and with the momentum he had, he was going to pass me anyway. I will never give in to anyone trying to bully me on track,” described a frustrated Zamparelli.
“It’s not ideal for my title aspirations. Clark drove well all year, but he never had any serious challenge from anyone in the early part of the season. It took me until Croft, the fifth race of the season, to fully understand and get to grips with the car. However, I must say congratulations to him, and his team, for winning the Championship.
“I’ve now just got to get my head down and concentrate on winning the last two races at Thruxton in October. The pace was there this weekend once again, so I can take that away with me.
“A big thanks to my team, Mtech/Reon, for all their hard work and support throughout the weekend, and also thank you to my sponsors for their support as well.”
Rounds 12 & 13 of the Formula Renault BARC Championship will take place at Thruxton, on the 11th October 2009.