Spa - Walker claims lead of the Caterham Superlight R300 Championship

Walker’s podium race results at Spa allowed him to claim the lead for the closing stages of the new Caterham Superlight R300 championship. As the race weekend opened, Walker’s championship points (112) were equal with long-time rival James Sharrock, with a further four drivers within a gap of only five points. Following his third place in race one (with fastest lap) and outright victory in the second race, Walker’s points total of 150 gives him a lead of nine points over his nearest rivals James Sharrock and Matthew Draper.

Race one revealed the importance of drafting on the long fast straights. Despite Walker leading at the closing stages, Leroux and Draper managed to get a late pass to be the first two past the chequered flag. Walker gained some compensation through his fastest lap.

In the second race Walker shadowed Leroux for most of the race and replicated the race one end-game by passing Leroux to claim the all-important victory at the finish. James Sharrock finished both races towards the back of the field enabling Walker to open up a lead of nine points prior to the final championship races at Silverstone and Snetterton.

Jonathan Walker said “With the championship results being so close I knew that podium finishes would be essential. I was surprised by how much impact drafting would have on race positions and I was disappointed to lose the lead just before the finish in race one. My second race was easier as I was able to let Jonny Leroux do all the hard work for much of the race but draft by him at the finish.”

DPR Team Principal David Rowe said “We are very pleased with establishing a lead for the closing stages of the championship but recognise the importance of the next two championship rounds. Spa provided us with the first opportunity to race with Caterham’s upgraded R300 cooling and intake systems which have undoubtedly boosted race performance for the closing stages of the championship.”

Championship positions

1. Jonathan Walker

150

2. James Sharrock

141

3. Matthew Draper

141

4. Jonny Leroux

137

5. Paul Wilson

128