Archive News - April 2011
27 April 2011
Freddy samples success in First British GT race
The Easter weekend saw young racer Freddy Nordström sample his first taste of endurance motor racing. Having recently signed a deal to contest the Avon Tyres British GT Championship this season, he was finally able to see what it was all about.Joining forces with the prestigious Lotus Sport UK team is a bonus for Freddy; however having had no competitive track time in the new Lotus Evora, the first round at Oulton Park last weekend was always going to be a challenge.
Saturday morning kicked things off, with a one hour practice session giving Freddy his first taste of Oulton Park behind the wheel of the new GT4 Contender. Freddy and team-mate Leyton Clarke aimed to share the driving duties throughout the session, however after the car suffered problems earlier on, Freddy was only able to manage one lap.
Determined not to be fazed, the team looked on to the next practice session, which would give them a further hour of track time. With the all important qualifying outing looming, time behind the wheel was becoming all the more important.
Again hampered by recurring issues, the youngster was presented with limited time on circuit. Despite this, Saturday afternoon paved the way for qualifying. With two sessions lasting 15 minutes each the pressure was on.
As ever, Freddy kept a cool head to deliver when it really mattered. After holding the quickest time for much of the session he eventually secured third spot on the grid for the first of two races.
Easter Monday was race day, and in keeping with the endurance race format, Freddy was the starting driver for race one. As the 26 car field thundered into turn one Freddy easily held onto his third place in class. After battling with the sister Lotus Sport UK Lotus Evora, it was soon time to head to the pits, where he handed control over to team-mate Leyton. 
From here tough competition rivalled their earlier progress, with the chequered flag falling on the duo in fifth place.
Race two was definitely a thrilling experience, although as the chequered flag fell confusion reigned throughout the Lotus Sport UK pit.
This time around the green light was taken by Leyton, with Freddy ensuring the car crossed the finish line. As the 60 minute thriller progressed to closing Freddy stormed through the field, picking off his rivals one by one.
On a charge, he eventually inherited the lead of the G4 Class with just 11 minutes remaining. However, despite his obvious pace, an issue with the results just moments after the chequered flag meant Freddy and Leyton were awarded second place instead.
Still pleased to have achieved second place on there first outing, Freddy said: “It’s been a tough weekend, learning a new car and getting to know a new team, but we still managed to come through it all.
“It was great to get second place in race two, even though we tasted victory for a short while. We have shown we are here to mean business and that we are capable of success. I’m looking forward to the next round now at Snetterton,” he added.
Freddy’s next British GT adventure will take place over the weekend of 14-15th May, at the Norfolk-based Snetterton circuit. With Lotus hailing from Norfolk themselves, everyone at Lotus Sport UK are eager to triumph on home soil.
15 April 2011
Freddy gets behind the wheel of Lotus Evora GT4
After recently signing to race with Lotus Sport UK as part of their British GT4 programme, Freddy finally got his hands on the Lotus Evora race car yesterday. A testing programme at the official Lotus test track, Hethel in Norfolk allowed Freddy to sample what he will be racing at Oulton Park in just over one weeks time.
The day proved to be a success, with Freddy getting some much anticipated time behind the wheel of his new race car. "It was great to finally drive the Lotus Evora," said Freddy. "The car is fantastic to drive and I just can't wait to get back in the driving seat at Oulton Park next weekend for the first round," he continued.
Still in its interim livery the Lotus Evora is due to be wrapped next week in its final livery, ahead of the British GT season opener.
Next weekend will start with pre-race testing on the Friday (22nd April), with qualifying on Saturday and two one hour races on Easter Monday (25th April).
3 April 2011
Freddy joins Lotus Sport UK for British GT4 assault
Anglo-Swedish racing driver Freddy Nordstrom is set to make his return to racing in the UK in 2011, as he prepares to do battle with the Avon Tyres British GT field.
After months of speculation as to what the youngster will be driving this coming season, Freddy will join forces with the ever expanding Lotus Sport UK brand to contest the GT4 Class in their new Lotus Evora car.
The 22-year old has recently tested a variety of machinery, including a British Formula Ford Van Diemen, a Mosler, courtesy of Martin Short, and a Porsche Carrera Cup GB car; however his 2011 plans have settled on Britain’s premier endurance racing series.
Freddy has spent much of his recent years behind the wheel of various SEAT models. Following the dismissal of the SEAT Cupra Cup from UK motorsport, Freddy made his way to Spain, where he spent two years contesting the Spanish SEAT Leon Supercopa series. Racing against the Supercopa field enabled Freddy to enhance his race craft, with grids of no less than 35 cars at every meeting.
Since breaking from the UK branch of motorsport, the Surrey-based racer has been itching to make his return. Now armed with a British GT machine he is able to do so, and with a household name like Lotus steering his GT4 championship challenge forward, the youngster is looking forward to a new start in 2011.
Commenting on the announcement Freddy said: “I’m thrilled to be racing in the British GT Championship this year. It’s a series I’ve always admired, and with the exciting field that’s already been announced it’s obviously a great year to join.
“Being able to join the Lotus Sport team is an honour for me. They hold so much history and prestige in the sport and it’s great to be able to work with them in their new era,” he continued.
Freddy will be sharing the driving seat of the Lotus Evora with Leyton Clark.