Q1: put in a blinding lap to start P3.
R1: Got in a bit of a sandwich between P1 and 2 at the start (after another one of my amazing getaways) and I backed off only at the last moment, but that let Bulgin through. Gabriel got through at some point as well, so I re-took him into turn 3 on lap 2. While hunting down Bulgin he span at the penultimate corner allowing me and Gabriel through, with me back up to P3. The guys ahead were too quick to catch so I settled into a rhythm of quali-style laps while Gabriel slowly closed in. I binned it at turns 11/12.
Q2: 3rd again
R1: Crappy start put loads of drivers ahead of me. I was so shocked that, due to lack of concentration, in the run to turn 3 I very lightly brushed Bulgin's rear wing, ripping it off but mysteriously leaving my car utterly unscathed. To avoid trouble with Lee penalising me with the hindsight argument (for a potential third time, because he hates me
), I gave myself a so-called "self-penalty" underneath the trees. I then set about chasing down the guy in front. A few cock-ups put me behind a few more drivers. Adam, after recovering from a spin, tried to (completely fairly, unlike Johnston in Monaco) overtake up the inside. I turned in cautiously but we collided and I went into the gravel. Adam kindly waited (unlike other drivers in the past, no names) and I retook the position, still with no car damage.
I eventually binned it out of turn 1, but I was so physically and mentally exhausted that I don't think I would have got to the end anyway.
Spent most of my practice time coaching James Chant, which was quite enjoyable actually. Kudos to him for not giving up, I would have done so in his position, he was so far off the pace that to bring himself within 3/4 seconds of the front runners like me and Tom was a fine achievement.
Thanks to Lee, RD and everyone who raced, I thoroughly enjoyed tonight.
Now, I promised James I would cheer him up, so click here.