Formula Fitness

RACE REPORTS

Thruxton, UK – 18 May 2008: WEST MIDLANDER CLIMBS TO SECOND PLACE IN RENAULT SERIES

Best aggregate qualifying and race performances of the season
Christo’s second win of the season tightens up title fight

Riki “Christo” Christodoulou lies second in the Formula Renault UK Championship having claimed a win and second place at Thruxton today (Sun 18 May).

The 19-year-old from Sutton Coldfield is now just 13-points behind cousin Adam Christodoulou after eight rounds.>

“Christo” started the opening 16-lap race from third place but snatched second at the green light. Closely shadowing pole-starting Adam, Riki took the chequered flag 0.761secs behind winner Adam and a healthy 1.830secs ahead of third-placed James Calado.

Riki lined-up in second place on the 21-car grid for race two, deprived of pole-position in the closing minutes of qualifying by Adam Christodoulou, by a mere 0.053secs around the flat and fast 2.36-mile track in Hampshire.

Adam led Riki at the start but the former was adjudged by race officials to have jumped the start necessitating a drive through penalty which allowed Riki to comfortably take his second victory of the season, “Christo” winning by 5.295secs in the extended 19-lap race due to a safety car period.

“It’s been an excellent weekend for me,” confirmed Riki. “Second and third positions in qualifying represented my best aggregate qualifying positions over one weekend as were finishing first and second.

“The Fortec team have worked very well for me and provided an excellent car for both races. It’s been a perfect points haul and I’m now very definitely in the title race.

“My next races are at Croft where I finished third and fourth last year so I’ll be looking to keep the momentum going in my quest for the Renault title.”

Thruxton nr Andover, Hants (Rds 7 & 8 of 20):

Race 1: Qualifying Pos: 3rd (1min 10.424s) Dry/Cloudy. Race Result: 2nd (Dry/bright)
Race 2: Qualifying Pos: 2nd (1:10.420) Dry/Cloudy. Race Result: 1st (Dry/bright)

Championship standings*:1 A Christodoulou (GB), 208pts; 2 R Christodoulou (GB), 195pts; 3 A Buzaid (BRA), 179. (*unofficial)

Next races: Croft nr Darlington,Co Durham (Rds 9 & 10 of 20) on 31 May-1 Jun.

Photographs: Editorial copyright free images from this and every race are available on request. Please send an e-mail to rikichristopr@earthlink.net

Riki “Christo” Background: Born & lives in Sutton Coldfield. 6th 2007 Formula Renault UK Championship (1 win, 4 seconds, 2 thirds) – first year of car racing after nine years in karting. 2008: Best results 1st (Brands Hatch/Thruxton), 2nd (Donington Park/Thruxton), 3rd (Rockingham).

Series Background:< Formula Renault UK is regarded as one of the world's foremost junior single-seater categories. The Championship launched the careers of 2007 Formula One World Champion, Kimi Räikkönen and also Lewis Hamilton. The 2008 Formula Renault UK with Michelin Champion receives £10,000 plus a test in a World Series by Renault FR3.5 race car.

Further information: Martyn Pass (07801 859502) or Phil Andrews (07767 700949) or email rikichristopr@earthlink.net

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