Despite the fact that the majority of TMC’s four drivers were experiencing their first visit to the Automotodrom Brno this past weekend, Jamie Davies and Tim Mullen achieved an excellent third position having enjoyed a productive warm-up session before the race on Sunday morning (25 May).  Unfortunately, despite showing potential class-winning pace all weekend, car 89, driven by Kelvin Burt and Darren Turner, suffered a gear linkage failure shortly after the half-way point which cost the car six laps.  Calling in for an unscheduled pit-stop, car 89’s crew reacted promptly and were able to replace the linkage and return the car to the race, with the car eventually finishing in an applaudable tenth position.

Kelvin Burt: “I had a really good drive, to be honest.  We lost a little bit of time in the middle of my session but, after the leaders had completed their first stops, I was out in front.  I handed over to Darren a few minutes after car 88 had stopped too and he continued the pursuit.  It’s a shame for both of us that the gear linkage let go but we have still managed to demonstrate what we are capable of.” 

Jamie Davies:  “Tim and I were expecting our car to perform really well here and to a point, it did.  We are still suffering gearbox problems but we have some testing coming up and I know the team will be able to solve our concerns before Donington Park.  All things considered, Tim and I are quite satisfied - to bring the car from eighth on the grid this morning to finish on the podium is gratifying and represents another six points for us towards the Championship.”

Tim Mullen: “I’m quite pleased really.  Having never driven here before this weekend, a podium result is good news.  Yes, the car had a few problems but nothing the team can’t solve.  I drove a little over half the race which was hard work due to the heat today but our Dunlops were working well.  We solved a few handling concerns after free practice on Friday and the car generally felt good all through my session.   Now I just can’t wait to get to Donington, which is a circuit I know really well, unlike Brno!”

Darren Turner: “Yes, I’m disappointed.  Ask any racing driver how he feels to finish in tenth place after the car was showing so much promise throughout the weekend.  Kelvin and I seem to have had our fair share of bad luck when it comes to the races themselves this season but I know our luck will change.  The team has a lot of testing planned between now and Donington and we know exactly what our problem was today which makes life a lot easier.”

“A race full of highs and lows,” said Rod Benoist, TMC’s Team Manager.  “All I can tell you is that we are pleased to still be in the lead of the Team Championship, albeit our margin has been narrowed to just a single point, and the testing we have planned over the next two weeks will make a big difference.  We will work on a fix for the gear linkage issue and continue development work with Dunlop.  Donington will be exciting, to say the least; just three points separate Jamie and Tim from the leaders which we plan to make up before Spa.