10/03/09

BRANDS HATCH LAUNCHES 2009 SEASON

Brands Hatch has launched its 2009 season calendar with riders and drivers from all the major championships visiting the Kent circuit this year performing demonstration laps to give journalists and fans a taster of the year ahead.

The highlight of the day was the unveiling of the Williams JPH1 Formula Two car and its first public demonstration laps. The car was revealed by MSV Chief Executive Jonathan Palmer, whilst invited media and special guests Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head looked on.

Spectators were then treated to demonstration laps from World Touring Car driver Andy Priaulx, British Touring Car Championship teams Arena Motorsport and Motorbase - including the Brands Hatch debut of Arena's Ford Focus ST - and the British F3 and GT Championships. There was also a demonstration from British Superbike teams Lloyds British Yamaha and Buildbase Kawasaki.

The season launch was rounded out with a demonstration by cars from MotorSport Vision Racing (MSVR) series, historic racing vehicles and race trucks. The Historic cars featured were two Lola T332 Formula 5000 cars from 1971. Driven by Marcus Pye and Simon Hadfield the iconic Lola designs flagged the enormous enthusiasm currently for the’ big banger’ revival. In both single seater and sports car racing there are more large V8 engined cars racing in historic classes than for many a year. Led by Several different Lola Formula 500 models and of course the legendary T70 series of cars in sports car racing, there are now more Lola’s to watch and enjoy as each season passes.

Pictures courtesy of Simon Hildrew