Puncture costs Hancock podium at Oulton Park

Sam Hancock scored a fourth place in round 13 of the Porsche Carrera Cup GB at Oulton Park, scoring crucial championship points in the UK’s premier one-make series. A mismatched combination of set-up and scorching heat whilst running third in Sunday's round 14, saw the Londoner sidelined with a blown tyre only four laps before the end.

Having set two fastest times in qualifying, it looked as if Sam had pole position for both races, only for Michael Caine and Tim Bridgman to improve their times in the dying seconds of the session leaving Sam in third place for race 1 and second for race 2. Following gearbox problems on the formation lap, Hancock was lucky to make the start. A mistake on lap 4 allowed Tim Bridgman to pass for third, but as Hancock gave chase, an over-defensive Bridgeman made it impossible for Hancock to find a way through before the flag, despite clearly having the quicker car.

A front row grid position soon became third as Hancock sat on the line with wheelspin while Bridgeman again came through to harass leader, Michael Caine. Tim Harvey was on Sam’s tail for the next 5 laps but Hancock soon broke free with some strong lap times, matching the ultimate fastest lap of the race and allowing him to close in on the leading duo. Unfortunately, with only 4 laps remaining however, a rear puncture ended Sam’s race as he was beginning a new lap. Too much damage made the car un-driveable and he was forced to park.

Sam Hancock: "The car was handling very well all weekend, but it was hotter than we expected on Sunday afternoon and we just got the set-up wrong which contributed to the puncture whilst lying third in race 2. On the upside I'm very pleased with the pace we have shown so I am confident that we will be in good shape for the next round at Knockhill where I scored my first pole position and win last year."

The Porsche Carrera Cup is the fastest, most-prestigious one-make racing series in the UK and is held over ten 'double-header' weekends at the country's premier motor racing circuits. All competitors drive identical Porsche 997 GT3 Cup cars prepared by professional racing teams.

www.samhancock.com

- Anthony Wilkinson - also photo