A day spent sampling the Le Mans Bugatti circuit, teamed with a deeper understanding of the car made for another successful test. Having been asked to rejoin the series’ test schedule, Freddy was keen to get back behind the wheel. “It was only a couple of weeks since my first test with the Racecar Euro Series, but I was very much looking forward to this second test,” he said.

With three 20 minute sessions available throughout the day Freddy reduced his lap times as the day progressed. Despite running on used tyres in cold conditions, he was able to strengthen his knowledge of a new circuit and the Racecar Euro Series machine.

“It was definitely a very useful experience,” said Freddy. “I already knew how the car worked from our first test on the 10^th February, but there’s always more to learn, especially on a circuit I haven’t driven before. It was great to decrease the lap times in each session.”

Now Freddy is working on his options for the coming season, and will make an announcement in the coming weeks.

In its fourth season the series is now officially recognised as a NASCAR Touring Series, by NASCAR itself. This long-term partnership will act as a stepping stone for European racing drivers wanting to break the barrier to the NASCAR series in America.

After a day sampling not only the Racecar Euro Series machine but also the Ferté Gaucher circuit in France Freddy found himself intrigued by the challenge at hand. “It was definitely fun to drive. The car was very different to the race cars I am used to, so it was a good experience if nothing else to try something of this nature,” he said.

Following on from a season in the Avon Tyres British GT Championship with Lotus Sport UK, coupled with multiple outings in the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship, Freddy is currently considering all of his options, to ensure he makes the right choice of what to race in 2012.

I have spent the last week reading about Dan, his many friends and loving family, along with the tributes that have poured in. It was clear Dan held a prescence in our sport. His impact on the motor racing world became all the more evident when reading the masses of tributes in the various media outlets.

Dan was a truly amazing person, not only on the race track but away from the track. He was so many things to so many people - he was a good friend, a true hero and champion, a team-mate and of course a loving husband, father, son and brother. None of these attributes have never been doubted or questioned.

I never had the privilege of meeting Dan but his legacy will never fade in my memory. A friend, a team-mate, a champion, a husband, a father, a son, a brother, a hero. Rest in Peace Dan, you will never be forgotten.

Dan Wheldon – 22 June 1978 – 16 October 2011.

Held at the infamous Silverstone circuit last weekend (15^th-16^th October) the season finale of the prestigious championship saw Freddy contest the Pro-AM 1 category. Armed with his GT Marques run Porsche machine Freddy set out a number of goals ahead of the weekend, which he was pleased to achieve.

“The Porsche Carrera Cup is a championship anyone should be proud to be a part of. As I haven’t done the full season this year I was obviously not expecting to be challenging for championship glory. However our goal was to get out on track and see where we are compared to everyone else,” said Freddy.

After an extremely close qualifying on Saturday, Freddy lined up on the grid yesterday lunch time (Sunday 16^th October) ready for race one. Watched by not only the thousands of fans in attendance trackside, but also the thousands who tuned in to ITV4 to watch live, a good start propelled Freddy up the grid.

As he enjoyed a fierce in-class battle, fluid left on the track by one of the front runners caused a number of cars to inadvertently spin. Caught up in the melee and unable to do anything, Freddy was launched into a minor spin courtesy of the slippery track surface.

As he rejoined the track, Freddy noticed low oil pressure in his Porsche machine, and to refrain from damaging the car he opted for the sensible decision to return to the pits in the closing stages.

Race two was another exciting challenge for the youngster. After being spun around at turn two, Freddy set about chasing his rivals. Together with blistering lap times, he was able to close the gap to his main challengers, before the chequered flag ended his fun.

“I’ve had a fantastic weekend,” exclaimed Freddy. “It was great to get back on track in the Porsche, and I was able to enjoy some close battles with the other drivers.

“The rest of the Pro-AM 1 class had 18 races and testing behind them before this round, whereas I had done just two races. So to be able to hassle them throughout the race was an achievement.

“I would like to extend a special thank you to Paul Callow and Ryan Mone for their support of the team during the weekend and of course to Paul Mace, Team Owner of GT Marques,” Freddy added.

A reshuffle of the timetable for the season finale weekend at Silverstone saw Saturday dedicated to both qualifying and the two hour race. After joining the Lotus Sport UK team just a few days before his first outing in the Lotus Evora, Chris was optimistic of a strong performance on his debut.

New to the world of endurance racing just this year, Chris’ podium finish at the challenging Spa Francorchamps circuit back in July was enough to lock in a prestigious drive for the final round.

After a series of laps during the practice sessions on Friday (7^th October), Chris steered his way towards the all important qualifying session on Saturday. Armed with a proven race winner in the Lotus Evora, the Lotus Sport UK squad were able to secure pole position in the competitive GT4 Class.

As the two hour race edged ever closer Chris and team-mate Phil Glew prepared themselves for a demanding outing. The competition facing the duo was evident up and down the field, as everyone prepared themselves for the ultimate 2011 adventure.

Faced with a heated dispute between themselves and a rival Ginetta machine in the early stages, first stint driver Phil gradually established a cushion behind. Despite a fierce 20 second penalty due to previous race successes, the pair worked together to edge away from the chasing pack as the race unfolded.

When the time came for Chris to step into the cockpit, he was able to maintain Phil’s earlier advantage, as he romped to a dominant victorious finish. Teamed with an all-conquering performance from his Lotus Sport UK debut, Chris is keen to join the team again.

“It has been a fantastic weekend,” said Chris. “The car was brilliant throughout and Phil did a great first stint to pull a 30 second lead, but regardless of a 20 second penalty we still won.

“The team worked extremely well all weekend, they made me feel so welcome and I want to thank Lotus Sport UK for giving me this opportunity along with my personal sponsors: Hanline Associates, Stephenson Group, Clipper Logistics, Nuffield Health, Alpinestars and Treasure Studios for their support. 

“I really hope I can work with Lotus again. We got better all weekend and for my first run in the car I really couldn’t ask for more,” he concluded.  

Team Manager Gary Ayles added: “Chris did a blinding job for us at Silverstone, especially considering the amount of time he had in the car beforehand. We had a gearbox issue during practice, which meant he had even less time in the car before the race.

“Phil had a great first stint and managed to build a big gap, and Chris just kept extending it. It was a brilliant weekend, he did an awesome job and it was the perfect way to end the season.”

Silverstone played host to the final adventure of the season, and after an eventful year, Freddy and team-mate Leyton Clarke were on the verge of providing their GT4 Class Lotus Sport UK team with championship honours. As they headed into the final round the pair were second in class, with an opportunity to steal the title; however as the season finale unfolded they were baulked by drama.

A change to the timetable for this one round saw the qualifying and two hour race both take place on Saturday (8^th October). With a reshuffled schedule to accommodate new additions to the agenda Friday set out time for practice. However a shortened practice session allowed for less track time than normal.

Experience around the Silverstone Grand Prix layout came in abundance for Leyton, whilst Freddy found his feet around the 3.660 mile circuit in the Lotus Evora. After a combined 30 minute qualifying session, the pair had secured the fifth fastest time in class, as they awaited the race later that day.

As the final championship fight got underway, Freddy took hold of the opening stint of the race. A blast away from the line saw the youngster launch his way through the field, as he sailed passed his main title rival for a welcomed advantage.

As the initial hour neared an end Freddy slid into the pitlane to hand over to Leyton for the final hour, having exited from third place. As Leyton steered his way towards the chequered flag drama suddenly surrounded the twosome.

A fierce performance from the championship contending Lotus Evora saw Leyton retain Freddy’s earlier advantage. As he wrestled his way to second place he was soon called for a one second stop/go penalty as penance for a pitstop infringement.

On his way again Leyton would work his way back to third place as the two hours neared a conclusion. However, once again the Freddy/Leyton machine was not without drama, when their Lotus Evora ran dry of fuel just one and a half laps from the finish.

Despite their misfortune, Freddy and team-mate Leyton were able to salvage sixth place, having completed enough of the race to be classified. Their record of being the only driver pairing in the GT4 Class to have scored at every round remains intact. Although they missed out on the championship title, the Lotus duo equalised second place on points, before being classed as third.

Looking back on his inaugural season as an endurance racer, Freddy said: “It has certainly been a challenging season. We have been fairly consistent all year, however we have been haunted by bad luck on a number of occasions.

“We have almost tasted victory numerous times, but still it has been an experience. Leyton and I are third in the 2011 British GT GT4 Championship standings and that is a feat to be proud of,” he added.

With his main focus now concluded for the year, Freddy is currently set to return to Silverstone next weekend to contest the final round of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB Championship.

Returning to the Avon Tyres British GT Championship after a successful showing that saw him romp to a podium finish at Spa in July, Chris will be in control of the Lotus Evora. Lotus is a name that exudes prestige and history, and as they strive to develop their new motor racing programme it is an exciting challenge for Chris.

Speaking about his recent career announcement, Chris said: “This is a great opportunity to be able to work directly alongside a manufacturer and be involved in a development project. Hopefully it will lead to more in the future.”

Lotus Sport UK entered the British GT Championship this year, and after their inaugural season in the competitive series, they are hopeful of scoring GT4 championship honours this weekend. As part of a two car team, Chris will play a vital role towards the team’s development future.

Despite not racing since his unchallenged podium finish at Spa, Chris is optimistic of scoring an equally strong, if not better, result with the Lotus Sport UK outfit. “The team have proven they have winning ability already this year, and I’m eager to join them at Silverstone. I was third at Spa in the Aston Martin last time out, but I’m hoping to do better and win this time.

“I know the Silverstone circuit well, as I tested there earlier in the year, albeit in a different car. Although the Lotus Evora is somewhat different to my previous machinery, having the track knowledge embedded in my experience will help.

“On a final note I would like to thank my sponsors – Hanline Associates, Stephenson Group, Clipper Logistics Group, Nuffield Health and Treasure Studio – for their continued support,” continued Chris.

This weekend (8^th October) will see Silverstone host a two hour race, as the British GT season comes to a thrilling close. With both the GT3 and GT4 class titles up for grabs it is set to be a ferocious season finale.

As the longest race of his career beckoned, Freddy and his Lotus Sport UK team were well prepared. The weekend of 24^th-25^th September was set to display the penultimate round of the 2011 championship, as Freddy and team-mate Leyton Clarke continued their strong scoring form.

As ever the weekend began with two one hour practice sessions on Saturday (24^th September). After securing some track time around the Grand Prix layout, Freddy was eager for the impending qualifying session.

However, as the time for qualifying came drama once again reared its head in the Lotus Sport UK camp. Whilst Freddy was out on track a problem haltered his progress, however as one of the GT3 machines caused a session stoppage, the team were able to work their magic on the Lotus Evora. As the session restarted, Freddy and Leyton returned to the track to secure a fourth place start for the race.

Sunday morning saw Freddy and Leyton top the GT4 Class times during a 10 minute warm-up session, as they awaited the challenging three hour endurance. A mid-morning rain shower saw a wet start to the race, as drivers and teams prepared their machines for a wet track.

As the race got underway the rain had eased, which meant a drying track soon called for a change to slick tyres. Smooth running saw Freddy’s race develop in fine fashion, as him and team-mate Leyton worked their way up to third place. As the pair began to challenge for a definite podium position the closing phase came into sight.

As their final pitstop was completed without drama, Freddy took to the track for the final stint of the demanding adventure. However as he approached his fourth lap towards the chequered flag something snapped on the car, which forced him towards a swift exit from the race.

Despite being unable to take the chequered flag, Freddy and Leyton had completed enough of the race to still be classified in fifth place. The duo were able to continue their legacy as the only GT4 driver pairing to have scored at every round so far this season. 

Glancing back towards Donington, Freddy said: “We knew a three hour race was going to be challenging. Not only was it the longest race of my career so far, but with the team being new to the championship this year it was the longest race for our Lotus Evora.

“I think we faired very well against some tough competition, and as we head towards the final meeting at Silverstone Leyton and I are still able to steal the GT4 Class title. It will of course be tough but we are ready for the opportunity,” he added.

The next and final race of the 2011 Avon Tyres British GT Championship takes place at Silverstone on the 8^th October.