Like Geoffers, this was not a favourite track for me. Thanks for the on-line setup Geffers, it was remarkably similar to what I already had evolved, maybe a click up or down in a few areas. The shocks were slightly stiffer, so I adopted that into my setup and it was a little better.
Erlings qualification time was somewhere in the impossible range for me! Just where he was finding 4-5 secs a lap over my own banzai lap is a total mystery
Even though I was running on full tanks to be sure I was comfortable with a heavy car, that does not account for the difference.
I did have a sneaky smirk when Erling bogged down at the start and I was able to slip past and hassle Geoffers for a few laps. When the gap suddenly extended back to the chasing pack, after the incident at the chicane I thought I would try and pressure Geoffers. But, there are not a lot of passing places at this track, unless the guy ahead makes a mistake... and Geoffers was not making any
. I also discovered that following very closely is tricky because picking apexes and braking points becomes more difficult and I left a few paint samples on the concrete walls.
I deliberately dropped back a little with the intention of just shadowing Geoffers, but he took advantage of the chance to relax into his driving and was beginning to ease away. Not too bothered, as it would be a long race and I was still finding places where I could go a few tenths quicker. I could see that Ziu was chasing hard but if I kept things clean he was not gaining too much.
When I came across a recovering Geoffers it was a bit of a shock, as he had looked well in control. But never one to refuse a gift, I accepted the lead position. I was watching the gap on HUD for the next laps and it was clear that Geoffers, Ziu and Erling were in close company and might just slow each other a little.... I hoped.
Arnold and Mabel were demonstrating their excitement on the pitwall and that might have been a contributing factor to my accident at the pit entry chicane. I have spoken to Mabel since my demise and told her that no matter how excited she gets, she is not to remove her knickers and throw them onto the track They are too big and could constitute a hazard to low flying aircraft, but when spread across the windscreen of a 1950's sports car they are lethal!!!
I knew Geoffers. Ziu and Erling were just a few seconds back and would be arriving very quickly, so I was pounding the ESC key which appeared to be reluctant to let me go.
Grats to Ziu and all finishers. Getting to the flag here is a victory.