Hard work reaps dividends for James after Snetterton win

5:00pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

SINGLE-SEATER racing driver James Calado scored a landmark victory in round 13 of the 2008 Formula Renault UK with Michelin Championship at Snetterton circuit on Sunday.

The 19-year-old former kart racer from Cropthorne dominated from pole position to take his first car racing win in a series previously won by Kimi Räikkönen (2000) and Lewis Hamilton (2003).

“It’s the best feeling I’ve had in my career,”

James Calado

Backed by the Racing Steps Foundation that funds one talented young driver in the leading single-seater series, Fortec Motorsport driver Calado secured his first pole position during Saturday's qualifying session and took full advantage to lead into the first corner on lap one.

As the 18-lap race entered its second half, the Vale racer set the fastest lap and then extended his lead on lap 12 to more than one second for the first time in the race.

Calado refused to crack under the pressure of knowing that any slip would cost him the race and, as the chequered flag dropped, he punched the air as he took victory.

"It's the best feeling I've had in my career," he admitted. It's taken a lot of hard work and I have to thank Fortec and the Racing Steps Foundation for giving me this opportunity."

Round 14 promised much as Calado lined up second on the grid and that's where he ended the race after another superb drive.

Saturday also saw the running of round 10, postponed from the previous meeting, and Calado completed a profitable weekend with a fourth place finish.

Rounds 15 and 16 take place at Cheshire's Oulton Park circuit on July 26 and 27.

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