UK: Michael Patrizi Snetterton race notes

DAY OF CONTRASTS FOR PATRIZI AT SNETTERTON

Michael Patrizi has experienced a day of contrasts in Rounds 15 and 16 of the Formula BMW UK Championship at the Snetterton circuit in England today.

Patrizi entered today's races lower on the grid than he would have liked after yesterday's qualifying, but still quite confident of his Motaworld Racing car's speed under race conditions.

That confidence proved well founded as yet again Patrizi and the #29 Motaworld Racing machine got the race off to a fantastic start. Race set-up, where extra fuel and consistent speed are the aim, has been a strength of the team's this season and this was again true today at Snetterton.

Patrizi was able to climb from the 10th starting position up to fifth place and held off a late challenge from Euan Hankey to finish fifth and earn eight points towards his championship tally.

The start of the second race however, was not as kind to the West Australian. Patrizi received a knock to the front wheel of his car in the opening corners of the race, damaging the front of the car. From that point on the car was very unstable, especially at high speed, and Patrizi battled to keep on to finish in 11th.

Despite the up and down weekend, Patrizi and the Motaworld crew are confident that another podium result is well within reach, with two events and four rounds remaining in the championship.

WHAT HE HAD TO SAY --

Michael Patrizi -- #29 Motaworld Racing

"This was one of those strange weekends where sometimes things went for us, and at other times they didn't" said Patrizi.

"We were disappointed after qualifying but were quietly confident that the race pace would be good, which it was. I got another good start in the first race and everything went well.

"Fifth was a very good result for us because when you start from 10th you need a bit of luck to fall you way to get a podium, so to get into the top five was a great way to start the day.

"I started one grid higher for the second race, but we copped a knock to the front end and it must have damaged or bent something in the steering or suspension, because straight away the car felt out. I kept pushing, but from that point on it wasn't right and I had a few excursions onto the grass.

"It was a shame, but these things happen in a championship where it is so competitive and everyone drives so hard. The Motaworld team gave me a great car for race day and that showed in the first race, but unfortunately we were unable to repeat the performance in the second race. It's disappointing, but we have to look forward and work hard for the next rounds at Knockhill."

-credit: bam media