Impressive Performance by Pilbeam Virage VdeV! The Pilbeam Virage caused quite an upset amongst the regular competitors at the 7th round of the UK VdeV Championship when it was immediately quick in the hands of Charlie Hollings and Chris Randell. Qualifying in 4th place it was only 2 tenths away from pole, although both drivers were certain it would be much quicker with a little more track time. Charlie Hollings presses on setting the early pace and fastest lap. photo courtesy of VdeV UK, copyright © www.eurors.com The race on Sunday proved they were right as Charlie Hollings soon moved into a confident lead which he extended for the first hour and a half contrary to the report in Autosport. He also set a convincing fastest race lap. Was Autosport watching the race from the bar? A delay to fix some minor body damage during the first pit stop dropped the Virage to 2nd but Chris Randell pressed on well without problems and went faster on almost every lap although he had had no previous testing time. Chris Randell settled straight away and lapped impressively straight away. photo courtesy of VdeV UK, copyright © www.eurors.com A second pit stop for fuel dropped the Lanan team to 3rd, which was very frustrating as it was later discovered that it need not have stopped, and in fact no other front runner did so. With limited test time it had not been possible to establish accurate fuel consumption figures but this is now well understood. A podium finish was very pleasing and especially so as the team and drivers all felt much more is possible in the races ahead. The Honda 2 litre engine built by Neil Brown Engineering worked faultlessly throughout the weekend. The final race in the UK VdeV championship is at Silverstone on October 19th when the Pilbeam Virage will be hoping for another top placing. Chris Randell (left) and Charlie Hollings (second left) on the podium. photo courtesy of VdeV UK, copyright © www.eurors.com