Scuderia Vittoria’s James Weston is managing his own ambitions for Rounds 5 and 6 of the burgeoning Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre on Rockingham’s International Super Sportscar Circuit (10-11 August).
The Tunbridge Wells-domiciled racer has been methodical in his approach to his maiden season in the new-for-2013 Clio Cup Series, steadily honing his driving technique with guidance from Scuderia Vittoria Director, Danny Buxton.
Weston has shown real signs of improvement and this is reflected in his results, having already broken into the top five and achieved multiple Class 4 victories.
However, the 25-year old is reluctant to overstretch himself and is simply looking for consistency when the Michelin-backed Clio Cup Series resumes on Rockingham’s 1.94-mile International Super Sportscar Circuit this weekend (10-11 August).
“I cannot wait to get back in the car at Rockingham,” said an enthused Weston. “It’s a new track and there will be a lot of learning to do, so I’ll be looking to get as much seat time as possible to emulate the top five results I’ve already achieved this season.
“I think podium finishes are a bit unrealistic right now because I’m not sure what to expect from the circuit. Having studied some data, it looks less technical than Snetterton and I think rhythm will be the key to achieving a couple of solid results.”
Weston added: “Because I can’t test between events, I use the first couple of sessions just to acclimatising to the car and track – this puts me at a disadvantage because it’s time that could be spent improving lap times and honing setups.
“I decided to run a hand car wash during the break to raise some funds for a set of testing tyres. Fresh tyres for qualifying and the races should put me in a stronger position. I’m all for using a bit of initiative, even if it means getting burnt to a crisp while washing an endless queue of cars!”
Qualifying for race five of the 2013 Michelin Clio Cup Series with Protyre will begin at 11.00 on Saturday (10 August), with the opening encounter later that same day at 14.30.
On Sunday (11 August), qualifying for Round 6 will get underway at 10.30 with the race at 13.45.
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