Well... That was a most unexpected result both in qualifying and the race. Never dreamed I'd get that kind of punch out of the Vanwall.
Leo's note above explains my passing him on the run down to Copse off the grid. It didn't take long for the status quo to resume, however, with Leo passing for the place a couple of laps later. Settled in to P5 with Clive going great guns up in the lead. I was actually thinking to myself, 'My! Clive is on fire today. Sure hope he gets the win.' No sooner did that thought pass through my brain than I came across his Connie off the road in Club. Groan... I jinxed him.
Clive recovered to chase me down but I wasn't sure it was he on my tail for a couple of laps til my pitboard gave me the news. Checked up a bit to let him through. Found myself chasing Fulvio but not making much impression. Pete fell off the road to hand me a place but I figured that he'd be a factor again later. Fulvio had a lurid slide through Woodcote mid-race to hand me P3 but again, fully anticipated a resurgence of his fortunes. Indeed, he was closing in but some minor slips cost him his chance. I was surprised to see Bastian's name pop up on my board in the late going and it appeared that he was shaving a second per lap off my advantage. Things might get a little racey in the final laps but a misstep cost him time and some places. This allowed me to cruise in the last lap to a most unexpected podium.
Grats on a convincing win, Leo! Great job by Clive for P2. £££ in the bank for Blue Moose.
Edit: Must mention some great drives put up by both Phil and Bernie. A top 10, Bernie! Well done. ADC amigo, Tom Johnson, could have scored well but for some misfortunes. Next time, TJ...
BTW, I intend to use the Vanwall exclusively for the season.