PRESS RELEASE
NOV,
2005
Ricky
Occhipinti and Formula Uno Racing get international
- 22 year-old
year old Ricky Occhipinti has had a busy nine weeks inmotorsport.
Since finishing on the podium in his first F4000 outing in 15
months Ricky stepped on a plane to the UK. "We hadn't tested
the F4000 in over a year and then went a second quicker than anybody
else in wet conditions at Phillip Island so we though getting
some mileage in the wet
would be very beneficial especially considering I was heading
to England", the Gold Star race winner said.
- Occhipinti
headed to the inaugural A1 GP at Brands Hatch where he met some
influential people both in pit line and the support paddock. "It
was exciting watching Will Power and A1 team Australia drive to
second position in the main race but to meet as many high profile
people you only see on t.v was bit of a thrill.At
Brands Hatch were another slicks and wings category in the form
of Formula Palmer Audi that caught Ricky's eye, a category owned
by former F1 driver Jonathon Palmer that has spawned the talents
of Champ Car driver Justin Wilson, British A1 driver Robbie Kerr,
F3000 champion Bjorn Wierdhem and Giorgio Pantano.
- The talented
Geelong driver met the team at Bedford Autodrome and set about
a test at another British track in the name of Snetterton. Over
the two days saw 15 drivers push the powerful 340 horse powered
single seaters. Occhipinti impressed the team with his work ethic,
technical feedback and the obvious speed which ended him 2nd fastest
having completed half the track time of others including Autosport
driver of the year nominee Sam Bird (One of the hottest British
racing talents managed by ex F1 drivers Martin Brundle and Mark
Blundle) Palmer Audi race winners, Formula 3 and Renault
drivers and drivers from no less than five different countries.
- Formula Palmer
Audi is a very controlled category which brings back the onus
of driving the car and maximising work with car set-up with a
controlled Audi 1.8 liter sealed engine, controlled engine, gear
ratios and brake compounds. "I really like the idea in what
the concept brings which no other form of single seater racing
has and with the major upgrades to the cars for the next year
I think the series is going to be a hit especially when the category
goes to tracks like Monza, Spa, Silverstone and Nurburgring"
Occhipinti enthused.
- On return
to Australia Ricky's Formula Uno Racing F4000 team completed car
preparation for A1 team South Africa who were keen to give their
two drivers some seat time in a fast open wheeler on the eve of
the Australian A1 Grand Prix round at Eastern Creek. British Formula
Renault race winner and Bedford Autodrome driving instructor Stephen
Simpson didn't take long to come to grips with the car. In fact
going quicker than A1 GP New Zealand driver Jonny Reid who has
previously been victorious at the creek "I really like the
track and the car has given me a good idea what to expect next
weekend. Today has been important because the track has a couple
of tough corners (over corporate Hill) and a big bump on the exit
of turn and think turn 2 in the main race will be very interesting.
I'd really like to thank the team for giving me the opportunity"
said Simpson who will be driving the two races this weekend for
A1 South Africa.
- Partnering
Simpson was 23 year old Gavin Cronje a former World Karting Champion
in Rotax 125 and now factory off road driver for Toyota proved
if he is called up for A1 duties he will be more than a suitable
back up. Coupled with a test with Formula Uno Racing Cronje has
also tested successfully with international Spanish F3000 team
BCN.Stay
tuned with the www.ricky-o.com redevelopments over the summer
for the hopeful assault with the European Palmer Audi Championship.
Financial backers can direct their interest to Formula Uno Racing.
- Formula Uno
Racing
290 Princes Hwy, Corio, Geelong, Vic, 3224
Ph & Fax 03 52752305
Email: ricky@ricky-o.com
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