Really enjoyed that one, Qualified in 6th about where I expected looking at the opposition.
Was gifted 4th at the start when Cookie put 2 wheels on the grass and Dean hesitated. I didn't need anymore of an invitation and dived past on the inside down to Etalakaare persued by Arf. Arf got the inside line so tracked him around the outside and was able to outbrake him down into Varikkokaarre. A lap or so later I could see Cookie had also jumped Arf and was making his desire to take his spot back very obvious He got me with a copybook pass into Varikkokaarre on lap 4 and then promptly spun at VW-Mutka to gift me the place back.
He didn't lose any spots though and was back on my tail within the lap and tried the same move again on Lap 5. Unfortunately we tangled on the exit. I've checked the replay and I'm happy I didn't stray onto his line but his speed caused him to drift across so for me it was a racing incident. We both spun, but I was able to recover and found myself on the inside of Arf at VW-Mutka and was able to maintain my position. Shortly afterwards Dean appeared in my mirrors and we had a battle similar to Solitude where he was obviously faster but I was able to defend. Problem was both our lap times were suffering and the Clive/Fran battle was getting away from us so I let him through past the pits on Lap 17 as he was obviously faster than me and I figured he might drag us both up to the battle ahead. Unfortunately he blew it into Etalakaare a few laps later and I was back into 4th. Even in clear air I couldn't make much headway into Clive or Fran. I did close the gap when Clive had a small spin putting me within a few 100yds but that was as close as I got.
Cookie disappeared, Dean had engine problems and I ended up quite lonely for the latter part of the race. Then a bit of excitement as I cross the SF line with 2 to go, My engine began to splutter and a quick check showed 0.5g left. WTF! I had done several full race runs and was sure I had enough fuel..
So dropped into the pits for a splash and dash. Still coming back out in 4th where I remained until the flag.
A tough track with not much time apart from the main straight to rest. Another new one for me reminded me a lot of Surfers Paradise, seemed to have a similar track surface (Slippery).
Congrats to Tris, Fran and Clive for the podium. Commiserations to the retirees.
It was a blast as always.
Thanks guys.
TTFN
John.
