Coming off the back of a double podium finish last time out at Snetterton, Century Motorsport resumed their Ginetta GT4 Supercup charge at the Rockingham Motor Speedway last weekend as the series moves into the business end of the year. Ben Green has regularly been the man setting the pace this year, but was now keen to start increasing his tally of race victories as every point becomes vital in the hunt for the overall crown.
Struggling during Friday’s pre-event test sessions, Green and his Century Motorsport team worked hard overnight to find the sweet spot in their setup ahead of Saturday morning’s qualifying. By the end of the session, their efforts were rewarded with Ben placing his Ginetta G55 on the outside of the front row, just a few hundredths of a second off the top spot.
Keen to make the most of his front row start, Ben got a superb getaway as the pole man faltered and by the end of the opening lap was leading the field. Initially Green had championship leader Callum Pointin for company but the Essex driver wasn’t phased and maintained his composure throughout. In the closing stages, George Gamble was the man on a charge but it was too little too late to make a move for the lead as an ecstatic Ben Green crossed the line to take his first win of the weekend, much to the delight of his Century team.
Starting race two on Sunday morning, this time with the benefit of starting from pole position, Ben was eager to add a second victory to his weekend scorecard. However this time he wouldn’t have it all his own way, as Pointin was right on his bumper throughout. Two Safety Car periods made the task of opening a gap at the front almost impossible and tested the 18 year old throughout. However, with a perfectly balanced Ginetta G55 beneath him, Green’s confidence was clear for all to see and exiting the final corner for the last time, secured what would become a fantastic lights to flag victory.
Sunday afternoon’s third and final race of the day would see the double winner start from the outside of the second row, however this time his challenge would be a little more difficult. The abrasive nature of the Corby circuit had taken its toll on his tyres, particularly due to the intensity of the race two battle. With damage limitation in mind, Ben knew a solid haul of points would be the key as opposed to being in a position make it a hat-trick of victories. Despite his best efforts, Green was shuffled down the order as he struggled for grip, eventually crossing the line in eleventh position.
Ben Breen – #22 Century Motorsport Ginetta G55 GT4:
“The whole weekend was a fantastic success, and I can’t wait to get out at Silverstone.”
Nathan Freke – Team Principal, Century Motorsport:
“This has been a fantastic weekend for Ben and the team, and just what we needed as we enter the crucial part of the season. We seemed to struggle a little on Friday, but overnight the engineers and mechanics worked wonders on the car and it was clear for all to see in Qualifying. Ben’s first two races were sensational, particularly race two which was edge of the seat stuff! We’re right in the mix now and keen to continue our challenge for more wins in Silverstone.”
Next Round:
Silverstone, Northamptonshire, UK – Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th September 2017
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