Estoril Update 2017
Estoril 2017 marks the end of the Masters Championship season, and what better place to spend it, than in sunny Portugal.
Ok, we were all a little surprised about the foggy, wet weather on Friday, we had all been checking countless weather forecasts the week before and was expecting beautiful hot sunshine, but that was not going to put a dampener on the team and drivers moods.
The weather did clear and for the rest of the weekend we were blessed with glorious hot sunshine.
Complete Motorsport Solutions had planned on taking a number of cars to the event but also took Goncalo Gomes Lotus 47, which would be raced in the FIA Masters Historic Sportscar Championship event and Ian Simmonds Envoy MK1/3 Formula Junior which was entered into the Lurani Trophy Race.
Track Knowledge:
Goncalo Gomes - Home Circuit - Raced here Before
James Claridge - Raced at Estoril Before
Ian Simmonds - First time at Estoril
Formula Junior Lurani Trophy:
Ian Simmonds entered his Envoy MK1/3 into the Lurani Trophy (Formula Junior) event at Estoril, having never been to Estoril he spent the Friday, and Saturdays Qualifying getting to know the circuit, with over 30 cars entered into the event he would find himself mixed into the group of Formula Juniors and enjoying some good tussles.
Ian qualified in 19th / 31 with a best time of 2:15.118, and first in his class. Race 1 was also on the Saturday, and Ian pushed from start to finish to end in a respectable 14th / 31 making up five positions, and setting his best time of the weekend at 2:10.362. He also finished an outstanding 1st in Class! Race 2 was on Sunday, and unfortunately Ian did not finish due to a mechanical failure, 29th / 31.
FIA Master Historic Sportscar Championship:
Goncalo Gomes, entered his Lotus 47 into the Master FIA Historic Sportscar Championship Race, he would be competing with his British co-driver James Claridge. Both Having raced at Estoril before, and Goncalo's home circuit the duo spent their time improving on the Lotus's set up and shaking the car down after its engine change after Silverstone Classic. On Friday the car had a couple of handling issues which Complete Motorsport Solutions team managed to resolve ready for qualifying on Saturday.
Qualifying went well for the pair and they qualified in 9th / 16 with a best time of 1:457/682, and 1st in the invitation class.. After qualifying the team made a few minor tweaks to the set up of the Lotus 47 ready for the race on Sunday.
Goncalo began the race in his Lotus 47 on Sunday, making up 5 places to sit in an outstanding 4th before the driver change pit stop. On the out lap sadly the car stopped with a major issue which ended the race early for the pair.
The team will be out at Portimao next weekend, transporting a number of race cars. watch this space for updates.
