750 MC: MR2 front runners have Cadwell shakedown

MR2 Championship front runners Andrei Bgatov, Mark Jessop and David Bryant had a useful shakedown test at Cadwell Park at the weekend.

The series front runners had the misfortune of choosing a day which bore the brunt of the British winter weather, making conditions difficult at the Lincolnshire circuit.

Reigning Class B champion Jessop, who missed an unofficial MR2 test a few days earlier as his newly-built car wasn’t ready, sampled his MR2 for the first time this season, as did Bryant, while Bgatov, who finished third in Class B last year, returned to the track in the 55 car.

Despite the challenging track conditions the day, run by Focused Events, was incident-free and all three drivers enjoyed ample track time. Jessop was pleased with his new car, following a cancellation of a test day the week earlier. “The car felt really good today and everything seems to be working well", he stated. “We just need to fine-tune a few things to be absolutely ready for Snetterton.”

Bgatov appeared to be the fastest of the AW Tracksport pair. Although no timing was allowed on the day, his car was the only one whose brake lights didn’t light up through Coppice, despite the damp conditions!

“The objective for today was to shakedown the car, bed in the new brakes and scrub the tyres,” he said. “The 2010 championship regulations also meant that we had to change the suspension, and today was the first time I've driven on it. The car felt well balanced through all types of corners. I think that yet again AW Tracksport has got it spot on!”

Watch the MR2 Championship as part of Motors TV’s 750 Motor Club coverage on Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545, this season.


Andy Wilkinson