Amanda tops the 2006 Formula 2 points chase

County Durham racer Amanda Whitaker finished her 2006 racing campaign top of the table following the season finale at Dijon, France. She went into the weekend knowing that two 3rd place finishes would secure her the top spot.

In her first event at the historic venue, Amanda qualified 3rd in class in damp conditions behind Formula Atlantic rivals Sandy Watson and Martin Stretton.

The first race on Saturday went well as she made a good start to jump Watson on the opening lap and maintained 2nd place to the flag.

Sunday’s race was more dramatic as she drove a fantastic opening lap to pass 6 cars!

Use the above controls to view a short video of the opening lap!

However, a couple of laps later she lost time when she spun on oil dropped from another car leaving her 5th in class. The oil caused another competitor to crash, bringing out the safety car and at the restart she fought back to take a close 3rd place in class.

Her results mean that adding to her European Formula Atlantic crown, she finishes the season as the highest points scorer of all classes in the entire Formula 2 series with 235 points, 7 points clear of fellow Brit Bob Juggins.

The success comes partly from the fact that she maintained a 100% finishing record in 2006 with 7 class wins and results of no lower than 3rd in class. “I really have to thank Vin Malkie and the whole Chevron team – their excellent preparation allowed me to maintain consistently good results throughout the year.” She said “It’s been a real privilege working with them and I also have to give (series Patron) Oskar Christen a special big thank you for giving me this opportunity.”

“I’ve really enjoyed racing in the European F2 series – it’s now getting very competitive with good grids, great looking cars and visits some of the best venues in Europe.”

Amanda hopes to continue in the series in 2007 as well as potentially driving a sportscar. Over the winter period, she will be doing some karting to maintain fitness levels and continuing instructing at Silverstone. She will also be working to gain further sponsorship backing to help with expenses and travelling for her 2007 motorsport campaign.

< Click to go back to latest menu