Antti Buri’s took all three British Formula Ford races at Rockingham over the weekend, bringing his win total for 2012 to five.
Buri also notched three pole positions and a fastest lap for his troubles, as the JTR racer firmly stamped his authority on the weekend.
It gives the Finn a 70-point lead over Jamun racing rival Jake Cook, who claimed two 2nd place finishes, although a mechanical failure in race one damaged the Briton’s prospects.
As feeder categories are inclined to do from time-to-time, Saturday’s opening race basked itself in confusion, due to several midrace penalties for exceeding track limits. While there is no issue with the penalties per se, the guilty parties had a 5-second penalty added to their lap times during the race, rather than afterward.
The result was a track order that in no way matched the timing and scoring panel – something that confused the audience and commentators alike for the duration.
Some never learn though. Following race one winner Buri across the line, Eric Lichtenstein was later to be disqualified for continually breaching circuit limits, despite repeated warnings and a mid-race penalty.
It promoted Cavan Corcoran to 2nd; several seconds ahead of Luke Williams (3rd) and Julio Moreno (4th) – both of whom assumed five-second penalties.
Race Two was a far more tense affair as Cook shadowed Buri for all 13 laps, while Lichtenstein danced in Cook’s mirrors. Jumping to 2nd by turn one, Cook enjoyed a great start, while Lichtenstein slowly pulled his way up the order.
By lap 5 the top three consisted of Buri leading Cook, ahead of Lichtenstein – and there the status quo settled. Williams, meanwhile, dropped to 4th, but held Corcoran off until the flag.
Race Three had slightly more action, although in this instance, Buri – the victor – encountered some luck along the way. Buri led the early laps, only to be passed by Lichtenstein at the halfway mark – a pass that was undone when the new leader suffered a mechanical failure with three laps remaining.
It promoted Cook to 2nd, with Corcoran eventually grabbing 3rd from Fred Martyn-Dye in the final miles. Ryan Cullen rounded out the top five. Williams was another retirement before halfway, relinquishing 4th spot as his car drew to a stop.
The Duratec Class enjoyed different winners from each race, with Matt Rao, Olly Rae and Fabian Welter all enjoying success.
It was disappointing to note only fourteen drivers took part over the course of the round, as the British Formula Ford Championship struggles on in difficult times.
There is not too long to wait for the fourth round – the series visits Brands Hatch over the June 23rd / 24th weekend, although the competitors will be hoping for better weather than last year, when two races were red flag due to sudden monsoon rain conditions.
2012 British Formula Ford (Round 3, Race 1, 13 laps) Pos Driver Team Time / Gap 1. Antii Buri JTR 18:43.451 2. Cavan Corcoran JTR +9.587 3. Luke Williams Jamun +17.571 2012 British Formula Ford (Round 3, Race 2, 13 laps) Pos Driver Team Time / Gap 1. Antti Buri JTR 18:47.345 2. Jake Cook Jamun +1.377 3. Eric Lichtenstein Jamun +3.330 2012 British Formula Ford (Round 3, Race 3, 11 laps) Pos Driver Team Time / Gap 1. Antti Buri JTR 18:14.157 2. Jake Cook Jamun +2.671 3. Cavan Corcoran JTR +3.911
2012 British Formula Ford (Round 3) Pos Driver Team Points 1. Antti Buri JTR 259 2. Jake Cook Jamun 189 3. Fred Martin-Dye Enigma 176
