Impressive start for Holmes | 02.04.07 | 17.50 Formula Renault UK title challenger Chris Holmes got his 2007 campaign off to an extremly positive start at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit earlier today, the Ardent-backed star taking the incredible pressure in his stride on his debut in UK formula Renault, finshing a fantastic fifth. The great result placed Chris as the second highest rookie in the opening round – combined with eigth position in round two – sees Chris finish the first race weekend of the season sixth overall in the driver standings. After claiming a mighty fifth place during round one qualifying on Saturday afternoon (only a tenth of a second off pole-sitter, Jeremy Metcalfe) Chris went into the first race confident of a solid result and delivered with a mature and controlled drive to the chequered flag. "I really enjoyed the first race; it was all pretty close up at the front. Unfortunately Dean Smith got me for fourth at Clearways on the penultimate lap so I had to settle for fifth, but I was pleased with our performance all the same" said Chris Lining up ninth on the grid for the second race of the day, the Yorkshire star made a solid start and moved a place forward after gaining a position when second-placed Will Bratt was served with a drive through penalty for an alleged false start. The Yorkshire based star said, "I gained a place at the start of race two which got me up to eighth but there was no way past after that. It massivly frustrating that I could'nt repeat the success of race one, but its the result of second qualifying really." He added, "It’s so difficult to pass in a Formula Renault on the Indy Circuit, but I think we got great results this weekend and I hope we can continue making rapid progress, and I’m pretty pleased finishing the weekend sixth in the championship.” Next for Chris is an Official Formula Renault UK Test which takes place at Thruxton Circuit on Wednesday 11th April. In the meantime Chris will continue Fitness Training, and preparing himself to build on this superb start to the season. Rounds three and four of the 2007 season will take place at Rockingham Motor Speedway in Northamptonshire on Saturday, 21st April, and Sunday, 22nd April. ENDS << back to news