F3000 driver Darren Manning is going all out for a win this weekend at Monza in what will be his final attempt to achieve a win this season.

The 25-year-old Yorkshireman is determined to gain at least one win from what has been less than a successful season.

The last race at Spa was unfortunate for me.  The changeable weather conditions during qualifying meant that I was bumped from third place down into seventh,” he said. 

“I actually managed to achieve third place during the race, but I clipped the front wing on plastic bollards placed on a slow chicane, and after a long pitstop I had to retire from the race. 

“It’s been very frustrating for me – but I’ve now got to channel all my energy into achieving a good result to finish the season off this weekend. 

“Monza is a very familiar circuit to me – I’ve tested there many times, both as part of my F1 testing commitment with BAR-Honda and during F3000 testing – and I’ve had successes there. 

“I feel there’s still chance of a win for me, and no matter where you are in the championship, you always look forward to the last race of the season.” 

Manning currently stands at ninth position in the F3000 Championship table.  His hopes for next year are to achieve an F1 seat - which would be the driver’s first choice. 

He said: “I’d obviously love the chance of an F1 seat – but I am looking at other options – one of which is a drive in the Champ Car series in America, and perhaps another season in F3000, with an F1 test driver position. 

“Next season will see the introduction of a new car in the F3000 series, which are being created to be more like the cars used in F1 – so that would bode quite well, and I’d like a chance to experience that.” 

Manning’s experience at the Monza circuit should stand him in good stead for the last race at this popular track.  Its long banked sections had to be abandoned in the interests of safety – although Alberto Ascari, Wolfgang von Tripps, Jochen Rindt and Ronnie Peterson all since died at Monza. 

It has been criticised by environmental campaigners in recent years, as well as F1 enthusiasts bored by the professional races, but it has a place within the hearts of all motor racing fans, and has rarely been off the F1 calendar. 

The modern track boasts an array of long straights and fast sweeping corners, and the wide pit straight funnels down into the tight Rettifilio chicane, which often causes chaos on the first lap. 

The Lesmo corners have also been tightened and therefore present a challenge.  Best of all is the Parabolica – the long final sweeping bend that slings the cars back out onto the front straight. 

ENDS 

For further information please contact Gina Croft or Kate Bond at Reeves Green Public Relations on p01543 250505.