RACES 1 & 2: Snetterton : 13/14 April 2013
report by Nicky Paul-Barron

The first round of our exciting Ferrari Open Series, at Snetterton on the 300 circuit, saw 15 cars line up for qualifying. This included a number of new cars, or at least new car owners emerging. Most notable of these was BRDC member Martin Short. With his Rollcentre Racing company Martin has vast experience both as a preparer and driver. His 458 looked very smart indeed, displaying an aero package specifically designed by Rollcentre for the car. Also prominent in the paddock were the race trucks of FF.corse and Balfe Motorsport, both teams presenting cars to a high standard.

Race 1
It was perhaps no surprise to see the Rollcentre 458 on pole, although perhaps the amount of advantage Martin Short enjoyed will have raised a few eyebrows. Wayne Marrs was next up. His ex- Geoff Finlay 458 had its teething problems pre-season but hopefully they are now behind it. Mick Dwane and Sam Smeeth followed in their 458s. Tim Ingram-Hill seemed to be enjoying his step up to a 430, run by the Reeder Brothers, and he qualified in 9th just ahead of the similar car of Daytona star Tim Summers.

In race 1 it was Sam Smeeth who got closest to winner Martin Short's 458. It was interesting to contrast the two cars. Sam's car has no aero fitted at all at the moment, whereas the Short 458 has lots of development in that area. Mick Dwane and Wayne Marrs followed.

Race 2
The shorter 200 version of Snetterton is dominated by the Senna and Bentley straights, although the long long Coram corner also has a part to play. Sunday's qualifying was made a little tricky by a drying but damp track. Some started the session on wets, other on slicks. At least in Open many have air jacks and team support, so change-over during a session is not too bad a proposition.

On pole was Sam Smeeth, which of course raised the question of down force (aero fitted) versus straight line speed (no aero). Martin Short and Mick Dwane were next with Paul Bailey in 4th. Paul had come straight from a Britcar endurance race the day before, in his newly acquired Aston Martin GT3.

The Sunday race was all about the 458s of Smeeth and Short. During the podium interview after the race Martin Short was most complimentary about Sam Smeeth's ability behind the wheel, and his car's prodigious straight line performance. Smeeth came out on top this time and it will be interesting to see how this rivalry develops through the year.

Paul Bailey completed the podium, finishing ahead of Wayne Marrs and Shamus Jennings. Tim Ingram-Hill was particularly pleased to take his class win from Tim Summers, both in 430s. Nick Kaye performed well in the only 360 on the grid – where are they all? It would be good to see a few more out at Donington.

Our Open series can be a spectacular sight. Do try and get to see a race sometime this year.