CARRERA CUP PRE-SEASON ENDS ON A HIGH
Matty’s preparations for the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup GB stepped up a gear last week, as the Eighty-One Powerdrink backed driver showed impressive pace at the series’ official pre-season tests at Donington Park and Brands Hatch.
Offering competitors a total of seven hours of running, the sessions allowed this year’s grid to compare themselves accurately to their rivals for the first time with the presence of the official timers providing a measurable benchmark of the relative performance levels.
For Matty it was encouraging news, as he ended up fastest of all around Donington on Tuesday and then within three tenths of a second of the best benchmark at Brands on Thursday to send him into this weekend’s opening round of the season with an air of confidence.
Graham said: “The first test went well and I was consistently at the front end, which is very good news because it gives us a real hope and belief that we are going to be competitive and can fight for the championship, not just be there to make up the numbers.
“At the same time though, we know it’s going to be a very competitive season, it wasn’t like I was clearly ahead, there are a good number of drivers who are going to be covered by pretty small margins at the races this year.
“We have a few little things to work on with the car. At the second test at Brands I had to adapt my driving style a lot but Redline have done a great job in finding out what was going on their so we’re heading to Donington with a lot of confidence.
“I like the track so it’s a good place to start the championship and with Scott [McKenna] looking fast around there too, I don’t think there is a better place to start.
“Its only a positive to have a team-mate that’s fast as you find time off of each other and push each other forward, which we’ll need to beat the likes of the drivers that are with say Team Parker.
“Arguably their drivers have a lot more experience, but I think Scott and I can work well together and give them a run for their money.”
The opening races from the 2020 Porsche Carrera Cup GB can be watched this Sunday, live on ITV4 as part of the channel’s broadcast of the British Touring Car Championship, with race one getting underway from 11:50 and race two from 16:30.