Driver Database News

Surrey racing driver Ollie Millroy returned to Formula BMW Europe this weekend at Spa Francorchamps, alongside Formula 1, with a very solid top six finish on Sunday to the delight of his team Raikkonen Robertson. After a disappointing qualifying session on Friday which left him on grid 16 and 15 Ollie had two very solid races although Saturday’s race was unfortunately brought to an abrupt end by mechanical failure.

“I had a problem during qualifying because my radio wasn’t working and I had no contact with the team said Ollie. This caused me to overrun on my first set of tyres and only gave me two quick laps on my second set. I decided I didn’t have time to look for a tow and put two quick laps in on my own which around Spa cost me a lot of time although it could have been worse. Race one on Saturday was going well and after a good start I made up two places at the first corner and worked my way up to 11th place and with still three laps to go there was a failure with the rear wheel bearing which ended my race. In race two on Sunday I again had a good start and throughout the race the car was quick and felt good which allowed me to finish sixth at the chequered flag.”

“After a not such a good start on Friday and Saturday I think I came away with about as good a result as I could expect. The team are great to work with and the car feels good so I can go to Monza in a couple of week’s time confident of getting a good result. I was quickest overall there at the official test earlier this year and with Double R we will be going for the win.”

British racer Ollie Millroy will join Raikkonen Robertson for this weekend’s Formula BMW Europe race at Spa-Francorchamps, as well as the season finale at Monza next month.  The 19 year-old will race along side the team’s regular Formula BMW drivers Rupert Svendsen-Cook and Gregoire Demoustier.

It’s been a quick turnaround for the Formula BMW Europe teams this week, who have travelled from last weekend’s race in Valencia, to the historic Belgium circuit of Spa for rounds 13 and 14 of the season.  Last time out in Valencia, Svendsen-Cook added a fifth place finish to his tally of six top six finishes so far this season, which has put him seventh in the drivers championship.

This weekend will be the first time Millroy has raced with the Raikkonen Robertson team, although the Surrey based driver has previous experience in the Formula BMW car, having competed the first three rounds of the year and having raced in Formula BMW Europe last year.

In 2008 Millroy also competed in the Formula BMW Pacific championship, taking second place in his first race in the series, followed by a victory in Singapore.

Millroy will be aiming for a good result on his favourite track – the 4.2 mile Spa circuit which will also play host to the Formula One Belgian Grand Prix this weekend.   Millroy also has a strong record at the final venue of the season – Monza, having been the fastest driver overall at this year’s pre season test at the Italian circuit.

“I thought my career in Formula BMW Europe was behind me,” said Millroy, “but the opportunity to race with Raikkonen Robertson at the final two rounds of the season was too good to turn down.  I feel like I’ve got some unfinished business in the series, so I’m very pleased to have the opportunity to prove myself in the remaining four races.  Spa is one of my favourite tracks and I was quickest at Monza in testing, so I’m really looking forward to two strong weekends.”

Team Principal Anthony Hieatt added, “We’re very pleasedthat Ollie will be joining us for the final two events of the season.  His experience in Formula BMW and his speed at the official test at Monza earlier this year will undoubtedly make him an asset to the team.  Rupert is similarly experienced in the series and we’ve really seen him develop into a regular front runner.  Hopefully he can push for his first win in the remaining four races.”