UK 2000: Sean McIntosh Thruxton preview

Thruxton challenge up next for McIntosh

Vancouver, Canada (April 27, 2005) -- With a race win to his credit already, Canada's Sean McIntosh heads into the third and fourth rounds of the Formula Renault UK Championship this weekend, Saturday 30th April -- Sunday 1st May, confident he can build on his early-season success, this time at the UK's fastest road course - Thruxton.

The 2.35-mile Hampshire circuit is famed for showcasing flat-out action with Formula Renault competitors set to reach speeds up to 150mph in Saturday and Sunday's 15-lap races. Speed, or the ability to get up to speed quickly, will be a decisive factor this weekend as there are no practice sessions scheduled ahead of Saturday's 20-minute qualifying runs.

Having tested at Thruxton earlier in the month Sean's happy to take on the challenges this weekend presents.

"It's going to be an interesting event that's for sure," said the 19-year-old Team Firstair racer. "We're straight into qualifying on Saturday and immediately down on track-time as we don't have the luxury of a practice session. I'm confident I can make the most of each session as we've usually been quick straight away whether it's testing or qualifying.

"I enjoy competing at Thruxton because of the unique challenges the track presents, primarily the high speed corners. There are also two major braking points on the circuit and if you get one wrong you'll really hurt your lap time with no chance to recover. It'll be a busy weekend and the pressure is there to get everything working just right from the very first lap in qualifying. As a team though we're confident, we obviously gained a lot from our victory last time out at Donington and we had a good test at Croft last week."

Sean, the reigning Formula Renault UK 'Graduate Cup' Champion, heads to Thruxton tied for second in the driver standings, just four points off the championship lead, following a solid sixth place finish in Round 1 and a superb drive to victory in Round 2 at Donington Park three weeks ago.

Saturday's schedule consists of both qualifying sessions followed by the first of the weekend's races, Round 3, commencing at 5:55pm GMT. Round 4 is set to start on Sunday afternoon at 1:55pm GMT.

-www.seanmcintosh.com