Max Esterson: Success at Anglesey!
Last week's four-day trip to Wales was a success. Testing on Thursday and Friday went smoothly. I was quick but struggled a bit with the car balance, especially in the traction zones. It was also quite difficult because Anglesey was the first circuit this year that really abused the tires. After three or four laps, everyone's pace would fall off a bit.
The team and I nailed qualifying on Saturday morning. I was on pole by nearly three tenths of a second ahead of Team Dolan's Chris Middlehurst, who was followed by Alex Walker and my teammate, Colin Queen. I got a good jump off the line in Race 1, but didn't have a great run onto the long straight leading into Rocket (Turn 4). Middlehurst was able to draft by me and edge in front by the braking zone. From there, I followed close behind. Middlehurst did a good job of minimizing my opportunities to make a move. On the last lap I tried to go around the outside of Rocket but couldn't make it stick as there was very little grip off-line, so I had to settle for second.
I lined up second on the grid for Race 2 and once again slotted in behind Middlehurst at the start. I stalked him for a few laps and then on lap 4 was able to make a run up his inside into Peel (Turn 9) and took the lead. Unfortunately for me, he was quite strong in the first few corners of the track and was able to retake the lead into Rocket just half a lap later. I had to settle for second again as I couldn't find a way by.
The top seven from Race 2 started in reverse order in Race 3, so I lined up sixth on the grid. The skies opened up about thirty minutes before the race, which was a curveball for all drivers, especially those who hadn't been to the circuit before since it was dry the previous three days. I got a good start and found myself in third after the first lap. I followed teammate, Colin Queen, until he ran wide in The Banking (Turn 2) a few laps in. I then focused ahead on B-M Racing's Jamie Sharp, and managed to reel him in by few tenths per lap. Unfortunately, it was too late and I crossed the line one second behind.
Despite not winning, I'm very happy with my performance this weekend as I collected some valuable points for the championship fight with pole, three second places, and two fastest laps – each of which pay extra points. In a month's time, the championship heads to Brands Hatch, one of my favorite tracks, so there is much to look forward to.
See the links below for replays of the races (Race 3 is unfortunately missing).
As always, thanks for your support.
- Max Esterson