GT4 European Series – Opening round for Academy Motorsport

Academy Motorsport made strong progress in the first round of the GT4 European Series at Monza this weekend. The team’s two car assault, powered by four drivers, survived differing conditions to claim solid results.

Somewhat seasoned racing drivers, Will Moore and Fiona James returned to the series this season, partnered by Tom Wood and Matthew Cowley. Amongst an ultra competitive grid, the quartet survived to cement a strong start to the season.

Starting in 18th place, Wood controlled the first stint of race one, with James set to take the chequered flag. It was a dream start for the youngster, to sit in 10th place shortly after the race began. Having started further back, Cowley circled in 24th place, on a grid of 36 cars.

After 20 minutes of action, race pace was neutralised when the safety car was scrambled. Back at racing speed, the pit window was soon open, ready for the mandatory pit stops. With stop watches at the ready, to make sure each driver’s stop totalled the obligatory 95 seconds, both cars came in, swapped drivers and rejoined the race.

With little hassle on track, both cars survived unscathed, with Wood and James finishing 25th, whilst Moore and Cowley secured a solid 15th place finish.

Treacherous conditions befell race two on Sunday, with heavy rain throughout the event. With conditions deemed questionable, the first 10 minutes took place behind the safety car, as the 36-car grid weaved its way through the spray.

It was Moore and James who started the race this time around. As the safety car peeled into the pits, both drivers began to navigate their way through the spray, as the rain continued to fall. A brief safety car period just before the pit window opened was the only obstacle for the team to negotiate, as both cars raced faultlessly.

As Wood and Cowley returned to the driving seat for the final stint, the conditions failed to improve, testing the young drivers to the maximum. Both drivers sailed through the remaining laps, with Cowley taking the chequered flag in 18th place, and Wood in 21st place.

Commenting on the team’s performance this weekend, the team’s Managing Director, Matt Nicoll-Jones, said: “The first round of the season is always a challenge, especially with new cars and with this being a new series for Tom and Matthew. As ever the whole team performed perfectly.

We secured some strong results this weekend, which stands us in good stead for the next round. We have data from this first round we can review ready for round two, and some strong results to build on.”

The second round of the GT4 European Series takes place at Brands Hatch during the weekend of 4th – 6th May. Academy Motorsport now dashes back to the UK, to prepare for the first round of the British GT Championship next weekend at Oulton Park (20th – 22nd April).