Fresh from his success at Monaco, 2300 Club member Paul Tattersall is back in action this weekend at the French Historic Grand Prix.
Paul has been invited to compete at the Circuit Paul Ricard following his stunning top ten finish at the wheel of his beautifully prepared 1979 Ensign N179.
And he’s looking to repeat the achievement at Le Castellet, although he’s under no illusions how tough that will be.
“I’ve never been to the track before, so all my learning has been done by a computer simulator and studying in-car footage,” explained Paul.
“It’s well-known for being a very flat, fast circuit, which makes it very hard to see the corners coming.
“We’ve done a lot of preparation work ahead of this weekend, and changed the gear ratios. It’s now set up for 175mph, but I don’t want it sitting on the rev limiter for long, so probably no more than 165mph in the race, which leaves something in reserve.”
Paul isn’t doing the whole Historic GP Championship this year, but has hand-picked his races – and he reckons you get a fantastic welcome when you make the effort to travel.
“With the Covid restrictions in force at the moment, it has not been easy to arrange, but the organisers have been very helpful and I’ve been classed as an elite sportsman in order to avoid self-isolating when I get there,” he said.
Paul will be helped on race weekend by his godson Peter Atkinson, a 19-year-old motorsport student.
It’s a baptism of fire for the youngster, who has no on-event experience, but has helped his dad build a very authentic 1920s Austin 7 race replica.
Carrying the number 22 on the side of his Ensign, Paul will have some familiar faces from Monaco alongside him on the grid.
They include Le Mans racer Marco Werner in a Lotus 92, Steven Brooks in a Lotus 91 and the Williams FW07 of Mike Cantillon.
“Another top ten would be a fantastic achievement, but in racing, getting home in one piece will be a result.” said Paul:
*Practice takes place on Friday and Saturday with racing on Sunday.
For more information visit The French GP Historic website.
Photo credit…..Huo Luobin Monaco Historique 2018
