Stockinger claims maiden win in UK championship

MANILA, Philippines - A stunning weekend for Atech Grand Prix’s 19- year-old Marlon Stockinger netted a pole position, maiden victory from start to finish and second place in the Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship at Croft this weekend.

“This weekend was without doubt my best ever in single-seater racing, which started with my maiden pole position in Saturday’s first qualifying. I followed that up with the third fastest time in the second to give me a second row start for race two,” Stockinger said.

Race one got underway on Saturday afternoon with Stockinger making a superb getaway to take an immediate lead. For 15 laps the youngster made it look easy staying completely in control and fending off the challenges from his competitors to take his maiden victory.

Sunday’s second race proved another success for Stockinger as he capitalized well on a problem for the pole-sitter Thomas Hylkema who struggled to get away at the lights. Stockinger withstood some early pressure from third place Will Stevens but drove a controlled race to take second place.

Team principal David Hayle was delighted with the performance of his driver this weekend, the mid-way point in the championship.

“What a fantastic result for Marlon, the whole team is delighted for him, he didn’t put a wheel wrong all weekend and this was our most consistent performance this season. Now we must ensure we can nail qualifying for Marlon as we head into the second half of the season as I have no doubt he is more than capable of challenging for race wins” said Hayle.

The series now enjoys a lengthy seven-week summer break in the schedule before it resumes with rounds at Snetterton, Silverstone, Knockhill and Brands Hatch, supporting the British Touring Car series.