Caroline and Pirtek Racing ready to kick-start new challenge

Uncategorised,Racing

Rising star Jamie Caroline will embark on the latest stage of his career this weekend [2/3 April] when the Pirtek Racing driver makes his single-seater debut in the MSA Formula Series at Brands Hatch.

The 17-year-old goes into the opening rounds of the BTCC support series having already shown impressive speed at the wheel of his MBM Racing-prepared car in recent months.

Whilst he hasn’t been able to complete as much running as some of his rivals, Jamie’s pre-season testing performances have seen him consistently near the top of the times; finishing inside the top three at both Brands Hatch and Snetterton before the teenager led the way during the morning session at Donington Park.

Jamie will now look to carry that pace into this weekend’s event at a circuit that already holds happy memories in his fledgling career, having been the venue where he wrapped up his Ginetta Junior title in dramatic fashion on the longer GP layout back in October.

With confidence still high following that stunning title success, Jamie has his sights firmly set on a strong start to the year and is optimistic about what the weekend with podiums – and wins – very much the focus for the first three races of the year.

“I’m always excited when a race weekend comes around but I’m particularly looking forward to making my debut in single-seaters at Brands Hatch,” he said. “The atmosphere promises to be fantastic and I’m looking to do a good job on track for the team, for Pirtek and all my sponsors, and also for my supporters.

“Whilst I haven’t done as much testing as some of my rivals, I think the fact that I was on the pace pretty much straightaway is a really encouraging sign and something I can now aim to build on when the real action gets underway. I was always confident that I’d be able to make the move into single-seaters without any problems, so it’s a nice feeling to be as quick – or quicker – than some of those who have done a lot more running over the winter.

“Brands Hatch is a circuit that I love and I’m hoping that I can have a strong weekend to start the season. Qualifying is going to be important but I’ve always been someone who races well, so even if I don’t manage to qualify right at the front, I’d like to think I can make up places when the lights go out.

“The championship isn’t going to be won in the first three races but I’m ready to make a move if I see the chance and fight for at least a podium finish. If I could open the season with a win to my name, it would be fantastic.”

Having run in a plain livery during winter testing, Jamie’s Pirtek Racing livery will be revealed on Friday, when pre-event testing and practice takes place at the circuit.

After qualifying on Saturday 2 April at 09.00, the first of three MSA Formula races will be at 14.15 on Saturday afternoon, with race two following at 1735. Race three then takes place on Sunday at 14.55 and will feature as part of the BTCC’s extensive live coverage on ITV4. Live results from the weekend will be available at www.tsl-timing.com.