As ever the weekend began with two one hour practice sessions on Saturday (24^th September). After securing some track time around the Grand Prix layout, Freddy was eager for the impending qualifying session.

However, as the time for qualifying came drama once again reared its head in the Lotus Sport UK camp. Whilst Freddy was out on track a problem haltered his progress, however as one of the GT3 machines caused a session stoppage, the team were able to work their magic on the Lotus Evora. As the session restarted, Freddy and Leyton returned to the track to secure a fourth place start for the race.

Sunday morning saw Freddy and Leyton top the GT4 Class times during a 10 minute warm-up session, as they awaited the challenging three hour endurance. A mid-morning rain shower saw a wet start to the race, as drivers and teams prepared their machines for a wet track.

As the race got underway the rain had eased, which meant a drying track soon called for a change to slick tyres. Smooth running saw Freddy’s race develop in fine fashion, as him and team-mate Leyton worked their way up to third place. As the pair began to challenge for a definite podium position the closing phase came into sight.

As their final pitstop was completed without drama, Freddy took to the track for the final stint of the demanding adventure. However as he approached his fourth lap towards the chequered flag something snapped on the car, which forced him towards a swift exit from the race.

Despite being unable to take the chequered flag, Freddy and Leyton had completed enough of the race to still be classified in fifth place. The duo were able to continue their legacy as the only GT4 driver pairing to have scored at every round so far this season.  

Glancing back towards Donington, Freddy said: “We knew a three hour race was going to be challenging. Not only was it the longest race of my career so far, but with the team being new to the championship this year it was the longest race for our Lotus Evora.

“I think we faired very well against some tough competition, and as we head towards the final meeting at Silverstone Leyton and I are still able to steal the GT4 Class title. It will of course be tough but we are ready for the opportunity,” he added.

The next and final race of the 2011 Avon Tyres British GT Championship takes place at Silverstone on the 8^th October.

Armed with a strong contender, Freddy and his Lotus Sport UK team-mate Leyton Clarke embarked upon the qualifying session. At the wheel of their shared Lotus Evora, both drivers secured a third place start for each of the two races.

Heavy rainfall kick started proceedings on Sunday morning. With only a 10 minute warm-up session to embed the car in wet conditions, Freddy took to the track to sample a soggy Rockingham.

In control of the opening stint of race one, Freddy took to the driving seat as the field weaved their way towards the starting grid. As the rain eased the question of whether to switch to slick tyres arose. A quick observation of the weather called for slick tyres up and down the field, as race one got underway.

As the race unfolded the heavens opened once again, forcing Freddy to change to wet tyres. Now armed with some fresh rubber, he set about chasing down his rivals, before handing control over to Leyton.

After fighting through the treacherous conditions, Freddy and Leyton were again able to enhance their so far perfect scoring record, as they splashed their way to second place and the fastest lap of the race.

As race two approached the heavy rain seemed a thing of the past, as a dry track awaited more action.

Leyton took hold of the first stint this time around, however after losing ground out on track their Lotus Evora seemingly developed a problem. Despite their unknown issues, Leyton handed the car over to Freddy for the concluding phase of the race. Freddy managed to muscle his way back up to fourth place, where he remained until the chequered flag came into sight.

“It was an interesting weekend at Rockingham,” said Freddy. “It was good to get back in the Lotus Evora after almost two months away from the British GT Championship, but it was an eventful weekend.

“The rain on Sunday morning definitely made things difficult, and with the banked corners on the circuit it was certainly a challenge to negotiate. However we were rewarded with a second place finish and the fastest lap of the race. We’re now looking forward to the next round at Donington Park and the three hour race that awaits us there,” he added.

A commendable effort saw Freddy and Leyton collect more points towards their GT4 title bid. As the final two rounds draw nearer, the pair are holding station in second place, as they strive to catch the runaway leader.

Freddy’s next challenge is at Donington Park in Leicestershire over the 24^th-25^th September, where a three hour race will endeavour to test the field.