Murray rockets to the top after Silverstone success
By Stephen Leonard
NIALL Murray has rocketed from fifth to first place in the 2016 BRSCC National Formula Ford 1600 Championship leaderboard after recording a double win at Silverstone last weekend.
After a promising show in Friday’s pre-event testing, the Firhouse man continued in the same vein during qualifying the following day and subsequently earned his second pole position of the season.
It was a fine achievement given that it was his debut around the Silverstone International configuration circuit.
Despite a good start in Race One, Murray was overtaken by James Raven by the close of the first lap but retook the lead on the third.
Again he slipped back to second place behind Raven in what was turning into a thrilling battle.
But it was Murray who had the final say as his championship rival left just enough room for him to make it past on the closing lap for his first victory of the day.
Starting Race Two from pole yet again, Murray did not enjoy as clean a start as he had in the race before and consequently dropped to fourth as he exited the first corner.
Still he managed to make a swift move past Chase Owen and fellow Irishman Stephen Daly down along the Hangar Straight.
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Indeed as Daly was taken up with the attention Owen, he allowed Murray the opportunity to slip up the inside at Stowe and climb to second.
Only a small gap now separated leader Raven from the Dubliner who was presented with an early opportunity to retake the lead as Raven ran wide at Stowe a lap later.
He duly took it and continued on to open up a three-second advantage recording the fastest lap of the race in the process.
While oil on the track was effecting the overall pace of the field, Murray was still able to maintain his lead right the way to the flag.
It sets him up nicely for the trip to Circuit Park Zandvoort, Netherlands for Rounds Five and Six on May 14/15.
Delightedwith his Silverstone success, Murray said “That was what I would call a near perfect weekend.
“Pole, two wins and one fastest lap. I don’t think I can complain too much.
“I’ve gone from fifth to first in the championship standings and I’ve set the pace at both tracks so far this year.
Now I’m looking forward to Zandvoort in three weeks for a new challenge. Massive thanks to Bernard, Sam & David for their hard work over the weekend and also to all my sponsors” he added.
