Race Report: Snetterton

Oliver Cottam marked his return to competitive racing this weekend at Snetterton in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB, following a six-month hiatus. Here's a detailed account of his performance across the weekend, highlighting the key moments and challenges faced.

Qualifying

Oliver began the weekend on a positive note, delivering a strong qualifying session. He expressed his satisfaction with being back on track after such a lengthy break since last year. While the performance was commendable, he acknowledged the need for more track time to further hone his skills and improve his familiarity with the car.

Race 1

Starting from 12th on the grid, Oliver showcased his racing prowess by making a clean start and skilfully navigating through the field to finish 8th. This significant gain in positions was a testament to his racecraft and strategic approach, especially given the limited recent race experience. Oliver emphasised the importance of staying out of trouble, particularly as it was the first race of the season.

Oliver identified stamina as a key area for improvement, noting that he hasn't been in competitive racing for over 20 minutes at a stretch in the past six months. As he gets back into the rhythm of regular racing, building endurance will be crucial for sustaining performance throughout the races.

Race 2

The second race of the weekend presented unique challenges with changing weather conditions affecting tyre choices. The UK weather proved unpredictable, leading to a struggle in deciding the optimal tyre setup. Despite these difficulties, Oliver managed to make another good start and maintained a clean race, ensuring the car remained in good condition for the next race.

Race 3

Race three brought even more dramatic weather changes, with a significant thunderstorm hitting just before the race. This led to last-minute decisions on tyre choices, oscillating between wets and slicks as the track conditions evolved rapidly. Oliver made a strong start and gained several positions in the opening lap. However, the lack of extensive experience in the car and the demanding conditions took a toll, resulting in the tyres wearing out and a drop of two positions by the end of the race.

Oliver Cottam's return to racing at Snetterton in the Porsche Sprint Challenge GB was marked by solid performances and valuable learnings. Finishing 8th in the first race from a 12th position start was a highlight, demonstrating his competitive edge and potential for the season ahead. As Oliver continues to refine his skills, particularly in terms of stamina and racecraft, he is optimistic about future races, starting with preparations for the next event at Oulton Park.

Thank you for following Oliver's journey. Stay tuned for more updates as the season progresses.