“CHRISTO” TARGETS TOP-FIVE FINISHES IN NEXT FORMULA RENAULT RACES AT SILVERSTONE
9th Aug 2010
Sutton Coldfield’s Riki Christodoulou is adopting a “gently gently” approach to his return the 2010 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship.
“Christo” placed ninth in the latest race at Snetterton yesterday (8 Aug) after mechanical issues had sidelined the West Midlander in the opening race at the Norfolk venue.
Riki contests the final 10 races of the Renault series with Daventry-based Fortec Motorsport, “Christo” stepping down to the category he contested in 2007 and ’08.
Last weekend’s races underlined the degree “Christo” must readapt to the less powerful, less aerodynamic efficient single-seaters compared to the Formula Three machine he steered to fifth place in the 2009 British Formula Three Championship.
“I’ll be targeting top-five finishes at Silverstone in two weeks time [22 Aug],” confirmed Riki. “Obviously I want to go out and get podium finishes but I must be realistic in that I haven’t raced regularly since last October and more importantly, not in this type of car for 18 months.
“Having learned a huge amount in terms of driving an F3 car last year, a car which develops well over twice the amount of aero downforce as a Formula Renault, I must now forget almost everything from last season and go back to how I drove in ’07 and ’08.”
Lining up in 11th place on the 16-car grid for both 18-lap races. “Christo” encountered clutch issues at the start of the first race then a mechanical problem necessitating a pit-stop four laps from the finish.
In the second race, Alpinestars supported Riki finished ninth, 16.8secs behind the winner in the 20min, 35-mile race.
Riki, who was thwarted from moving up the motor racing ladder this year due to the poor economic climate, concluded: “The last time I raced at Snetterton was 13 months ago when I scored my maiden F3 race victory. Fortec gradually improved my car from testing on Friday, in qualifying on Saturday and in to Sunday’s races.
“I’ll be spending the next two weeks studying data and watching videos to remind myself how to drive a Formula Renault car again. I have lost none of my skill – I achieved 14 top-three podium finishes in Renault – it’s just a case of turning the clock back in terms of my driving style and so long as the car is competitive I’ll be on the pace.”
Snetterton nr Thetford, Norfolk (Rds 11 & 12): Race 1: Qualifying: 11th (1m 6.336s). Race Result: Not classified (Bright/Dry). Race 2: Qualifying: 11th (1m 5.269s). Race Result: 9th (Sunny/Dry).
About Riki Christo
Riki Christodoulou has been racing as long as he can remember. Through karts, Formula Renault and now in the British Formula 3 International series. Riki continues to compete in top flight motorsport as one of the UK’s most promising young racing car drivers.
