UK 2.0: Russell Racing Thruxton preview

Doncaster-based Russell Racing heads to the fastest circuit on the Formula Renault UK calendar the weekend after next, 3rd/4th June, hoping to make its way into the top 15 of the world's most competitive junior single-seater series for the first time this season.

Alongside its place as the fastest motorsport venue in the country, Thruxton is also known for posing a notoriously difficult challenge but team driver Matt Russell is aiming to use the weekend in Hampshire as a springboard to kick-start his season.

Things are certainly progressing in the right direction for the Harlesden 22-year-old as at Oulton Park just under two weeks ago, Matt achieved his best Formula Renault UK result so far with 17th position during round four.

"We're all very much looking forward to Thruxton", commented the reigning Formula Renault BARC Vice-Champion, "The aim is to continue to improve on the progression we have been making since the start of the season.

"Oulton Park was an improvement on Brands Hatch and while our step forward wasn't as big as we would have liked, we're hoping to make bigger strides forward at Thruxton as it's such a good circuit, I love racing there."

With no pre-season Formula Renault UK test having been held at Thruxton and with a mere one and a half hours of practice time, split into two 45-minute sessions, allotted to the championship competitors the day before the race meeting, Friday, 2nd June, it's essential Russell Racing is able to make full use of the, albeit short, track time.

Matt added: "We have very limited testing time before the Thruxton weekend and so it will be incredibly important for the two sessions to run smoothly to enable us to find as good a set-up as we possibly can. There isn't really enough testing time considering the nature of the track, which is a shame, but we're confident we'll make steps forward."

-www.russell-racing.com