FPAUDI: Autumn Trophy Snetterton: Series Friday afternoon notes

BACHETA SETS PACE IN FPA SHOOTOUT TESTING

Luciano eyes up McLaren Autosport BRDC Award place

Luciano Bacheta was fastest overall in testing today, ahead of the FPA Shootout at Snetterton this weekend.

Bacheta posted what turned out to be an unbeatable time in the first session of the day.

The Essex-based driver tested a Formula 3 car at Snetterton earlier this week as part of his prize for finishing third in this year's FPA championship, and thinks it has given him new found confidence. "The F3 test was amazing, but it was good to get back in the FPA car. I had to make a couple of changes to my driving, but otherwise it was fine. I'm not going to get too excited by the test times, because the real business starts at the weekend. But the F3 test has given me that little bit of extra incentive," said Bacheta.

Bacheta had been battling with Will Bratt in the morning sessions, but in the afternoon Ryan Lewis went fastest on both occasions, despite Bacheta's best efforts.

Tim Bridgman was third fastest overall, despite struggling with the track conditions in the morning. "It was slippery early on, which slowed me down considerably. The grip around Coram Curve was non existent," said Bridgman.

Jonathan Legris was another driver who improved lap times in the afternoon tests. "We had a slight set-up problem in the morning, but it was quickly adjusted and we went third fastest in the afternoon, so things are looking good," said Legris.

Richard Keen is many people's favourite to win the FPA Shootout, and was not unduly worried about finishing seventh fastest. "We got faster over the course of the day, but it's all about tomorrow. I'm looking forward to putting in some qualifying times on new tyres," said Keen.

Qualifying for race one of the FPA Shootout is scheduled to begin at 10:35 on Saturday 3 November. <pre> FPA Shootout Snetterton overall test times

1. Luciano Bacheta 1m05.07 2. Ryan Lewis +0.02s 3. Tim Bridgman +0.19s 4. Will Bratt +0.20s 5. Jonathan Legris +0.27s 6. Nick Tandy +0.43s 7. Richard Keen +0.59s 8. Jack Clarke +0.66s 9. Tom Bradshaw +0.67s 10. Alex Brundle +0.77s

-credit: fpaudi/motorsportvision.co.uk