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Oulton Park displayed Nissan's dominance, yet was not just a parade, as is often the case in Formula One. Not only did the Primeras of Aiello and Leslie notch up their third 1-2 of the season, but last year's car, in the hands of privateer Matt Neal grabbed 2nd place in the 44 lap feature race. It seems as if they have the best all-round package, from the 2.0-litre engine developed by Advanced Engine Research to a competent chassis. Then again, the standard road car is a good base. Check out this week's news for details of the latest Primera.
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Drawing provided by PA Graphics
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The sprint race was uneventful after a frantic start. Aiello was on pole but started badly, giving his team mate Leslie a chance to challenge at the first corner. As Aiello had the inside line though Leslie wisely pulled in close behind and stayed there until the end of the short race. Alain Menu in the Ford Mondeo made a blistering start and briefly harried the Primeras before it was obvious that the Nissan pair had the better car.
Excitement mounted later in the race as Jason Plato's Renault retired leaving oil on the track at Druids. This resulted in three laps behind the safety car, allowing the drivers to bunch up on the leaders. The Ford was no match for the Nissans though and they were nearly 10 seconds ahead of third-placed Menu at the end. The Ford Mondeo team will be happy with 3rd and 4th place.
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Photograph provided by Jakob Ebrey Photography
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The feature race was more like demolition derby! The Nissans of Aiello and Leslie sailed through into the lead, a little easier this time. They avoided a massive accident behind. Cleland had qualified third and made an excellent start. However, so did Plato and Menu. Menu appeared to punt Cleland off, taking himself and Thompson out of the race. Ironic then that Cleland had this to say about Oulton Park before the weekend:
"A lot of action will happen at Old Hall on the first lap because the grid is so tightly packed at the start - there are always two or three drivers who don't make it round that corner!"
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Several other cars were damaged due to the coming together and the safety car was deployed once more to allow the marshalls to clear the debris. As the safety car pulled away the Nissans prepeared to continue with their lead. Surprisingly, Rydell's Volvo managed to keep pace with them - until the pit stops. Leslie's luck ran out when his on-board car jack refused to work in his pit stop. He lost a lap and ended up 8th out of only nine finishers. Aiello had already pitted successfully and resumed his lead once Radermecker pitted from his temporary lead. Aiello cruised to an easy victory.
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Rounds 7/8
Photograph provided by Volvo
Photograph provided by Jakob Ebrey Photographic