GT4 European Series – Double Podium for Academy Motorsport

Academy Motorsport enjoyed a superb outing at Brands Hatch this weekend (4th – 5th May) for the second round of the GT4 European Series. A strong performance saw the team secure two podium finishes in as many races.

Both of the team’s Aston Martin Vantage GT4 race cars had performed faultlessly all weekend. The shared Tom Wood-Fiona James machine proved to be the fastest car during free practice one, whilst Matt Cowley and Will Moore claimed the fourth fastest lap time. Cowley’s dominance continued into qualifying. He looked set to collect a pole position start, only missing out towards the end of the session.

As race one got underway the action was swiftly paused with an almost immediate safety car release. Shortly after the restart, a heavy impact on the pit straight caused the safety car to be scrambled once more, as officials tended to a track scattered with debris.

This lengthy safety car period led straight to the mandatory pit stop window, with a number of cars opting to pit as soon as the race restarted once more. Taking the opportunity to swap drivers straight away, James pitted to hand over to Wood, whilst Cowley continued for a number of laps. On a mission, Cowley eventually pitted from fifth place to hand over to team-mate Moore.

After rejoining in 25th place overall, Wood demonstrated both his and the Aston Martin’s pace, as he manoeuvred his way through the field. As the chequered flag came into sight, the Aston Martin Racing Young Driver Academy entrant captured third place in class, 11th place overall.

Moore had looked set to take a top 10 overall result, however a drive through penalty in the eleventh hour dropped the sister car to 18th place.

Race two was action-packed from the off. Moore and Wood started the race this time around, with James and Cowley set to take over at mid-distance.

After sustaining damage to the front of his GT4 challenger early on, Moore was forced to make an unexpected pit stop, as the team worked their magic to get him back out on track in record time. Impeccable running from here on out for both cars saw the team secure another double finish, with Wood and James again collecting a podium finish. The team’s hard work was also rewarded in the GT4 Pit Stop Challenge, for recording the fastest pit stops of the weekend.

Commenting on another successful weekend, Academy Motorsport’s Managing Director said: “What a weekend. The whole team have worked so hard yet again, and it really paid off. To get one podium finish would have been fantastic, but to see Fiona and Tom collecting silverware in both races was brilliant.

“Matt and Will both drove superbly all weekend but were sadly unlucky at times during the races. Both drivers certainly have the pace and I’m sure it won’t be long before we are celebrating all four drivers on the podium.

“To win the Pit Stop Challenge award as well was the icing on the cake. It just proves how hard the team work, and it’s nice to reward them with this.”

Academy Motorsport return to the British GT Championship in a couple of weeks, for the second round of the British GT Championship. The event takes place at Snetterton during 18th – 19th May, with the GT4 European Series back in action at Paul Ricard during 31st May – 2nd June.