Date: 13th August, 2001 

Arden International driver Darren Manning is going ‘all out for a win’ at the next leg of the F3000 series at the Hungaroring track in Hungary, to gain valuable points and move him back into the top six in the championship.

The 25-year-old Yorkshireman knows he has little time left in the F3000 series in which to improve his position on the championship grid, but he is confident of finishing in the top six, with only 5 points separating positions 6 to 10.

During qualifying at Hockenheim, Manning was forced to drive team mate Viktor Maslov’s car after the engine in his own car failed.

“Viktor’s car wasn’t the right set-up for me, so it was a real challenge to qualify well,” said Manning. “I was delighted to have achieved 5th on the grid and was hopeful of a good race and further championship points.

“At the start of the race I was keen to make up places and saw a real opportunity for a podium finish. Despite trying very hard, I locked the brakes on the second lap whilst attempting an overtaking manoeuvre and spun into the gravel as I went through Ost Kurve, my race was over.”

Manning currently holds 8th position in the championship, and knows he has to put in a real performance this weekend if he’s to gain points and climb the points table before the end of the season.

He said: “With only two races after this one left this season, I’ve got to go all out for a win this weekend. The Hungaroring circuit is a strange one – and one that not many drivers will be familiar with, as it’s not a circuit you get to test on throughout the year.

“The car problems have now been sorted, so I’m planning to give it all I’ve got this weekend, and get back on track to win some valuable points.”

The Hungaroring circuit is modern, and was built with Formula 1 in mind, although it has come in for criticism from drivers for not offering many overtaking opportunities. Nigel Mansell proved that if determined enough, overtaking chances were there, when he won the race in 1989 from 12th on the grid.

The track is famous for being incredibly twisty and slow, making the races long and tiring for drivers, especially in the August heat.

Despite it’s lack of corners, the circuit is far from easy for the drivers. Qualifying and start are very important, as the lack of overtaking opportunities provides less scope for making up places later in the race. The track is also little used, and therefore very dirty, making it easy for a tired driver to slip off the road.

Manning’s next race in the F3000 series will be at Spa on 1st September, the penultimate race of the season. 

ENDS

For further information please contact Kate Bond or Gina Croft at Reeves Green Public Relations on 01543 250505.