UK 2000: Will Bratt Silverstone test notes 2006-03-01

HAPPY HOMECOMING FOR BRATT DURING SILVERSTONE TEST

Scorpio Motorsport sensation Will Bratt produced a fantastic performance during the first official Formula Renault UK test of the season at Silverstone National Circuit today, the 17-year-old straight on the pace just 15 minutes after venturing onto the track.

His best time of 55.193 seconds (106.90mph) came within just a few short laps of the 1.63-mile circuit and rocketed him to fifth fastest on the timing screens, a mere two 10ths of a second shy of pace-setters, and experienced Formula Renault UK race-winners, Cheng Congfu and Patrick Hogan.

With snow curtailing the third of the day's sessions, Will was unable to better his fastest lap but he still ended the day inside the top 10, just four 10ths of a second adrift of Cheng's timesheet-topping best.

The performance was all the more impressive considering Will was unable to take part in the first hour and a half of testing due to his A-level commitments, the teenage scholar still in the midst of his vital final year of studies at Bloxham School, near Banbury.

Speaking on the season's opening official test, Adderbury-based Will said: "I only really had the benefit of a handful of good, clear laps so to end the day 10th overall was great and I'm looking forward to being back on track in the morning.

"We were at a bit of a disadvantage compared to the other drivers as being I hadn't been able to take part in the first session due to my studies, so I was absolutely delighted to go fifth fastest at the start of the afternoon without any real preparation. We're confident of a very competitive season this year.

"I'm happy with the way the day has gone but the last session was a bit frustrating due to the weather. We only managed four laps before the snow started to fall quite heavily so we're keeping our fingers crossed for a good day tomorrow."

Will returns to Silverstone National Circuit in the morning, Thursday, 2nd March, for the second day of official Formula Renault UK Championship testing.

-sm