Pilbeam Leads Again The Pilbeam MP98 Virage made an impressive return to the VdeV Speed Championship this weekend. The Virage led the second half of the Brands Hatch race before an unlucky crash just three laps from the line. Damien Charveriat returned to the series after an injury sidelined him last year. He drove alongside Luc Paillard who previously drove the car at Oulton Park 2008. This was Damien’s first opportunity to show off his Pilbeam in the VdeV series, being raced by a series of guest drivers last year. Setup issues limited the Pilbeam in qualifying but it soon showed its pace come the race. Luc Paillard had the first shift it taking the MP98 from 12 to second by the first hour mark. Damien took over the reins and pushed the car to the top spot. The Virage then led though the second hour point building up a 30 second lead. A late safety car period caused by a spinner destroyed Damien’s hard work and upon the restart he was pushed out and down to seventh. Determined to get back the places, Damien set about moving back up the order. Twelve laps later he was back up into third just over a second behind 2nd. He touched a wet curb which sent the car spinning. The Virage hit the barriers ending the team’s hopes. It was an unlucky finish to a great race, the car showing real potential. Damien is looking forward to the next race at Snetterton, in late August. The MP98 Virage is Pilbeam’s latest sportscar, following an extensive history in LMS and the World Sports Car Championship. The Virage has been developed for the Euro VdeV and the UK Speed series’, although would be suitable for other sportscar championships. More information can be found at our MP98 Virage minisite. For further information or to register interest please contact Pilbeam Racing Designs: info@pilbeamracing.co.uk +44(0)1778 424838