ON TRACK WITH HENRY SURTEES
2007 German Formula BMW Championship
Surtees gets to grips with The Ring
by John Surtees
20-22 July 2007
 A new experience and challenge awaited Henry at the world famous Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit in the Formula BMW German Championship series which was a support event to the 2007 F1 Grand Prix of Europe, the entry list featured a list of 24 drivers representing 12 nations.
Henry was following in the footsteps of John who, on the famous North circuit had many wins on two wheels and four and was awarded the most prestigious title of 'Ringmeister'.
Friday, 20 July: Practice
It was an early morning start for the 30 minute practice session with a dry track, light mist and overcast sky. Henry’s experience of the circuit on his PlayStation was to be put to the test. He completed 12 laps with a best time of 2.08.994 which placed him mid-field of the 24 drivers.
Qualifying
One qualifying session of 30 minutes was scheduled for the two races. Henry posted a time of 2.07.562, he was confident that this could be improved as he was aware of some mistakes and by ssetting some changes required confirmed by the data which would suit his style of driving.
Saturday, 21 July: Race 1
Race 1 was scheduled for 10 laps, it was warm and the threatening rain did not appear. Henry made a good start from his grid position on row 6 and on completion of the first lap had gained two places and was closing on the cars in front. On his second lap and approaching the chicane situated three quarters of the way round the circuit he had moved into seventh when unfortunately he was sent into a spin entering the chicane when he was hit on the rear wheel by a team mate, who later apologised, damaging the mounts to the front wing. Henry carried on for a further two laps before being called in to have the nose replaced - no further laps were gained due to a red flag incident.
Sunday, 22 July: Race 2
It was an early start due to the worry of potential crowds and the 25 mile journey from the hotel to the circuit. Henry’s race was the first on the programme at 8.50am. The weather was bright and dry. We did not know quite what to expect as the car had felt better during the 1¾ laps that had been amongst heavy traffic and it was difficult to tell how the car would perform over a race distance. The start was good but unlike the first race there was no way through at the first corner and Henry had only made up one place on completion of the first lap. Over the next 9 laps he moved up to 9th place and was closing quickly on the group of three cars in front of him just 0.07 secs behind and setting the sixth fastest lap of the race – an improvement on the events of the previous day, although it was not as good as we had hoped. The data showed and confirmed Henry’s remarks of medium to high speed understeer so we had to treat the race as a test and getting to know the Mücke Motorsport team so that hopefully for our next visit to the German Championship series at Barcelona we can show our true potential.
In the meantime it is back to familiar circuits, car and the Carlin team for the next FBMW UK Championship event for Rounds 13 and 14 at Snetterton on 27-29 July.
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