Fairhurstprofitsfromsargent’sbother

The World Championship qualifying round ended in controversy when Finn Sargent crossed the line first but Lee Fairhurst was awarded the win when Sargent was docked two places for jumping a restart on lap five at Skegness.

Sargent took the lead early in the race before a multi-car pile up on Turn 1 brought out the yellow flag. It was on the ensuing restart that Sargent was deemed to have been a little too keen. The race continued under green for the remaining distance with Fairhurst passing long-time second placeman Harry Stewart in the closing stages.

Fairhurst said: “Sargent deserved this one, he drove his heart out in very difficult conditions, he was the winner in my eyes. The rain made it hard to see, I was closing on Stewart towards the end, and when I passed him I thought that was for the lead, Sargent was a bit further ahead on both of us, but I could not see that far down the track. I don’t like to win that way, but I was pleased with how my car went. I won a heat race in the dry earlier in the evening, and it handled well in the wet.”

Sixteen-year-old Sargent said: “I am very disappointed, but there is nothing you can do about it. I like the wet conditions; it seems easier to drive when the track is wet. These cars are not easy to see out the side of, and on the restart I could not turn my head because of the HANS device and containment seats to see the starter. I will just have to accept the decision. I just have to be pleased with the way I drove and how the car handled.”