Strata21 find pace with Aston
Wednesday, May 07, 2014
Strata21’s switch to the Aston Martin Vantage GT3 paid dividends for drivers Tom Onslow-Cole and Paul White with a fourth-placed finish come the final reckoning at Rockingham.
After combined qualifying, the duo started Monday’s two-hour race from 14th position. White started and worked his way to ninth by the time he pitted for Onslow-Cole after an hour.
Onslow-Cole returned to the track car to the track in 12th, but the former touring car driver soon had his eye in as he deftly moved up the order to finish in fifth at the chequered flag, which translated to fourth after post-race penalties had been imposed elsewhere.
"I don’t think Rockingham plays to the strengths of the Vantage as well as the upcoming venues, so to come away so close to the podium is a great result,” said Onslow-Cole. “I really enjoyed driving and, although our pace was good, I’m confident there is still more to come. I’m looking forward to some more seat time ahead of the next round.“
The team have unsurprisingly decided to stick with the Aston Martin for the rest of the season following a great weekend.
“We have been very impressed with Aston Martin Racing this weekend,” said White. “It was a last minute decision to use the Vantage GT3 as the team had worked hard to get it ready ahead of schedule. Tom and I both gave it our all this weekend and it paid off. We’re looking forward to getting to Silverstone at the end of the month.”
BGT
Image: Richard Leach