Round two awaits Carlin’s Ford MSA Formula Team

Carlin’s Ford MSA Formula team look forward to the second round of the thrilling championship following a dominant weekend at Brands Hatch during which Petru Florescu took an early lead in the fight for the title. The team, who didn’t leave the podium during the opening three races, looked a commanding force as the battle raged around Brands Hatch. This weekend, Florescu, James Pull, Max Fewtrell and Devlin DeFrancesco get ready for their second 2016 showing at Donington.

In his second season in the championship Florescu made an impressive start to his campaign by securing two pole positions which were followed by two lights to flag victories – the Romanian racer, took home a huge points haul over the course of the three races to clinch the lead of the series.

Florescu said of his season so far and the upcoming weekend at Donington, “I am very happy to be leading the championship but I know I’m competing against very quick drivers so I have kept my focus on training and I am looking forward to the races at Donington because this is a track I really like! I have complete trust in the team knowing that we have a very good car and I can’t wait to get racing!”

Pull ensured that he was in the mix for the entirety of the weekend with consistency the name of his game. Pull was on the pace from the very start and came away with three podiums to show for it – not leaving the coveted steps for the duration – a feat which leaves him currently sitting second in the standings.

Pull said, “My favourite track is actually Donington so I’m really looking forward to the weekend. Last time I was here we showed a lot of great potential even though I had a sprained ankle at the time! The aim is to focus on getting more points with three strong races which I think is more than possible for us around here.”

Fewtrell also walked away from the weekend with a podium to show for his efforts and was part of an impressive three strong Carlin podium during the opening race of the season. Fewtrell, who currently sits fourth in the standings said, “I’m feeling pretty confident going in to the second round after what was a strong weekend for the team. The last time we tested at Donington we were fast so that’s a nice bonus as we get ready to hit the track. It’s good to get the first round of the championship complete because it gives you confidence for the second and allows you to feel much more relaxed at the same time and ready to just continue the work you’ve been doing.”

Following the weekend the MSA Formula Team undertook a day of official testing at Thruxton in which DeFrancesco was the man to beat despite the changeable conditions as the team prepared for the second round of the season. DeFrancesco said, “I’m generally approaching this weekend the same as normal – we’ve been testing and working hard so the plan is just to keep putting everything together when it matters. I really enjoy Donington as a track it’s quite different to a lot of other circuits we go to because tyre wear isn’t such a factor so you can really keep pushing on your laps making it even more fun to drive. Overall, I’m feeling pretty collected and confident ready for the weekend.”

Testing will get underway at the 1.98 mile Donington Park circuit today before qualifying and three races over the course of Saturday and Sunday.