Podiums are top of Devon Modell’s agenda as he seeks to reclaim the lead of the GT4 standings in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, which resumes at Belgium’s globally renowned Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps this weekend (11-12 June).
Having wrapped up the first half of the 2014 Courier Connections Renault UK Clio Cup at Croft Circuit earlier this month, Maidstone’s Modell is set for another action packed weekend of racing at Spa.
Encompassing the famous Eau Rouge/Raidillon combination, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps stretches for 4.35miles through the Ardennes Forest and is widely regarded as one of the world’s most demanding racetracks, mainly due to its fast, undulating and twisty nature.
Modell and TF Sport stablemate Andrew Jarman relinquished the lead in the GT4 standings to Beechdean Aston Martin rivals, Jake Giddings and Ross Wylie, at Snetterton three weeks ago and will be seeking to reclaim the top spot with a stellar performance in Belgium.
Confidence is at all all-time high for Modell after an impressive start to the year and, with only three rounds of the 2014 British GT season remaining, the UK Clio Cup driver will be hoping for more strong results at Spa.
“The team and I tested at Snetterton for a few days after the last event and was able to learn a lot about the car, making a few changes that made it feel a lot more comfortable to drive. We have to wait until we’re at Spa-Francorchamps to see if the changes are positive, though.
“Having never raced at Spa before, I did some simulator work on Monday to learn the layout so it’s not completely unfamiliar. It was a great learning experience, but no matter how real it may feel, it is not real. It’s a bit disorientating, you don’t feel the undulations, the car snap out underneath you or how the car will react in changing conditions, but the circuit itself looks great. There are lots of quick, challenging corners and I’m excited about racing there.
Modell continued: “The aim for the weekend is finish with two podiums. We narrowly missed out on them at Snetterton, so we need to get back up there and hopefully reclaim the championship lead.”
For more information on Devon Modell and his racing activities, please follow@Devon_Modell on Twitter.