“CHRISTO” RETURNS TO PODIUM ON SCOTTISH RACE DÉBUT
5th Sep 2010
Sutton Coldfield’s Riki Christodoulou claimed a superb rostrum finish in his first-ever race at the Knockhill circuit near Dunfermline in Scotland today (5 Sep).
In only his seventh race of the year since returning to the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship in mid-June, “Christo” claimed third place in the opening 24-lap race around the 1.2713 mile circuit.
Alpinestars supported Riki, who had started the race from third position on the 16-car grid, finished just 5.24secs behind the winner.
“Christo” started his Fortec Motorsport car from eighth place in the second race, slipped a place just after mid-distance but dropped five places to 14th after being barged off the track.
“I ran third throughout the opening race and it was great to step on to the podium again especially as it was the first time I’d ever raced at the Scottish venue,” reflected Riki.
“I just couldn’t find a rhythm for race two qualifying and if you don’t start from the front two rows of the grid, a podium result is almost impossible to achieve. Starting down in eighth place I was always going to have my work cut out.
“There were a couple of Safety Car periods after on-track incidents with the final one leaving a one-lap ‘sprint’ to the chequered flag. I overtook two cars going in to Turn 1 as the race re-started but was then forced wide in to the gravel trap at Turn 3 by some unnecessarily forceful driving which ruined my race. It was very unfortunate and disappointing as the same driver did the same thing into Turn 1 earlier in the race.
“Stepping back down in to a category I contested in 2007 & ’08 after last year in Formula Three, which requires a completely different driving style, was always going to be difficult. But I’m out on track, getting sharper with every race after missing half the year.
“I achieved fourth place and set the race’s fastest lap the last time I raced a Renault on the Silverstone GP track in ’08 so I’m really looking forward to these next races.”
Knockhill circuit, 4-5 September (Rds 15 & 16) Race 1: Qualifying: 3rd (48.288s). Sunny/dry. Race Result: 3rd (Sunny/dry). Race 2: Qualifying: 8th (48.604s). Cloudy/dry. Race Result: 14th (Cloudy/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.
