Grats to Tris and Robert and anyone who finished this challenging race.
Maybe I should have taken the BT7 too? But I have run slower cars for the past few seasons and thought I would treat myself with something a little easier this time. I still avoided, what I feel, are the outright fastest cars and opted for the BT11 as a solid chassis.
It is a long time since we have raced at Pau and I was a little worried about its reputation for discos and freezes. A great track IMHO but needs to be treated like Monaco,,,,survival first, and a a very predictable handling car are the prorities.
The front row qually times were stunning. I had looked up the GPLRank world records earlier, just to get an idea of what times might be competitive, so I was gobsmacked when the first 4 cars were up to 2 secs faster!!!
It is always difficult to pass around here ( just like Monaco) and this race was no different. Tris and Robert set off at a cracking pace and I was secretly hoping that they were pushing too hard
. I could see Roo in 3rd place, but Ray defended his 4th spot for lap after lap. I felt that I was quicker, but I just could not find a passing place. He made a small mistake at T1 and I got alongside up the hill but Ray held the inside line for T2 and it was back to follow my leader!
Tim was trying hard to stay in touch with his Honda and I was worried that if he got any closer I might have to spend too much time watching my mirrors, so I ahd to find a way past Ray! I eased right up to his gearbox and tried to hassle him into a mistake, but despite a few ragged moments he refused to yield, until he went too deep into T1 and lost momentum....this was my chance so I stuck my car tight around the inside and nailed the gas. I think we bumped wheels on the exit but neither car was fired into the scenery and we both kept going. This time I just had the edge into T2 and had stolen 3rd place at last.
Settled down to a few fast smooth laps to build a gap and then just watched the gaps on prib as a Ronnie, Roo and Tim battled it out behind. Tris and Robert were too far ahead to get at unless they made a mistake, which of course they didn't so I cruised home for a comfortable 3rd place and a glass of champagne.