ANTTI UPS THE ANTE
Antti Buri was a man on a mission at Rockingham. Photo: www.jakobebrey.com
The Rockingham circuit is the JTR team’s local track and the squad used home advantage to full effect last weekend to help Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain points leader Antti Buri to a hat-trick of EcoBoost victories for the Finn.
After winning Saturday’s opener, Buri went on to record wins four and five in what is turning into a memorable season for the JTR man. Buri’s second win of the weekend was as flawless as his first, with him leading from pole to chequered flag and resisting race-long pressure from a determined Jake Cook, the Rotherham racer determined to make up for his Saturday DNF.
There was a superb battle for Duratec class honours for the duration. Class points leader Fabian Welter led the way in his Rendez-Vous Racing Mygale for three laps before Saturday Duratec winner Matt Rao found a way ahead. But Rao’s lead was shortlived: the France-domiciled Brit spun to the back next lap, allowing Olly Rae to take over in front, the Australian Enigma driver having meanwhile overtaken Welter. Fabian fell into the clutches of George Blundell three laps from home and had to settle for third as Enigma man George claimed his best-yet result.
Buri continued his hot streak in the third and final Formula Ford race by completing his hat trick, but the Finn never had things his own way. This race was perhaps Buri’s most testing, but mechanical issues gradually eliminated his challengers and left the JTR driver to make history as the first driver in the EcoBoost era to record three consecutive wins.
“It’s been a perfect weekend in terms of the championship and way beyond our expectations,” said Buri, who now holds a comfortable points cushion. “Things were tough with Eric Lichtenstein because he pushed me hard so I was quite glad to see him drop away from my mirrors. It certainly took the pressure off and from then on I could relax and enjoy the drive. The team gave me a superb car and we’re starting to show our potential.”
The Duratec class provided one of the highlights of the season, with Welter fighting back from the rear of the pack to steal a last-gasp victory.
For a full report from Rockingham and the latest points standings visit; ROCKINGHAM REVIEW