Disappointment at Silverstone 5th -6th May

Silverstone should have seen the return of Jaguar to sportcar racing with the world debut of the Apex Motorsport Jaguar XKR GT3.

This was until Friday morning when it was confirmed that with great disappointment the team would be unable to compete in the opening round of the FIA GT3 European Championship. Entry had been denied by the FIA Stewards as the homologation papers for the Jaguar were not fully completed within the prescribed time limit.

Over 110 pages were submitted to the FIA but on a more positive note the cars passed through the safety scrutineering with flying colours.

Chris and Stuart echoed the disappointment felt by the whole team, especially for the guys at Apex who have worked several all-nighters to get the two cars to Silverstone.

It has also been decided not to compete in Bucharest and to concentrate on Monza towards the end of June. Between now and Monza the team will use the time for an extensive test programme in the UK.

On a more positive note the Jaguar XKR GT3 was given special permission to run a few demonstration laps which provided a visual and aural treat for the spectators. Chris took Helen Chapman round the Silverstone GP circuit as a passenger and once she had stopped feeling queasy admitted that it had been an experience she would never forget and asked if there was ever another time could the driver do some "sideways" stuff.

Helen had donated a lot of money to the BBC Children in Need charity and spent the weekend with the team and drivers as part of her prize.

08/05/07