VERSTAPPEN IS THE KING OF CALM
While Max Verstappen’s march to a second Formula 1 World championship was not unexpected, he had to literally ride the storm at Suzuka last weekend. Amid the gloom and the downpours, he managed his race perfectly to do enough to lock away the silverware for another season. This one was far more clear-cut than last year’s bun-fight in Abu Dhabi, though the move that actually handed him the spoils was a lastcorner error by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, rather than anything that Red Bull’s double champion could control. And that, in a microcosm, is the story of the year. The Prancing Horse, after such a promising start to the campaign – remember that Leclerc was 46 points ahead of Verstappen after the third round of the year – went lame. Mistakes crept in in equal measure between the Monegasque driver the strategy boffins on pitwall. That opened Verstappen’s path to glory, but Japan – even though it wasn’t worth full points as it hadn’t gone the whole distance – was still his 12th victory of the season. Talk about rubbing Ferrari’s nose in it.
As for the incident with Pierre Gasly, who happened across a virtually stationary snatch tractor in the opening stages of the race – albeit while the race was neutralised – this simply shouldn’t have happened. Whether Gasly was exceeding the speed limit at the time or not, there is no excuse for the organisational slip-up that let this happen.
The BTCC finale also crowned its champion as Tom Ingram put in a worthy performance to lift the trophy he has been chasing all of his life. The 29-year-old put two wins in the book in the opening two races at Brands, but still had to ride out the storm in race three to assure himself of the spoils. His has been a journey which should inspire any young racer: it has been a triumph of determination, persistence and belief that have taken him to the highest accolade in UK motor racing. Huge congratulations go to him and the Excelr8 Motorsport, which too has been on a rapid and successful path to get to this point.
In this issue, James Roberts puts the readers’ questions to accomplished racer and broadcaster Paul di Resta, a man whose early career ran in parallel to many others who went on to reach the very highest echelons in racing. For di Resta, he just knew he had to take the chances when they came and now he has his sights set firmly on conquering Le Mans in the new Peugeot 9X8 hypercar.
Elsewhere in this issue, we speak to the Gaz Shocks 116 Trophy’s breakout pacesetter Jack Godden and reflect on the awesome battle between Alex Summers and Wallace Menzies for the British Hillclimb Championship spoils. Also, don’t forget to get involved with the latest Motul UK-backed MN poll. Turn to page 17 to find out more.