Driver banks on British car

Press, 28 December 1987, Page 14

Driver banks on British car

PA Wellington Auckland racing driver, lan Christie, is hoping a high profile British import will pave his way to success in the 1988 Formula Ford Championship. Christie, one of New Zealand’s most promising racing car drivers, has just unveiled his secret weapon, a Formula Ford former factory team car built by Van Diemen International Racing in Austria. The car, driven by Rowland Ratzenberger, won the World Formula Ford Championship at Brands Hatch, England in 1986. Powered by a Ford 1600 engine, the car can reach speeds of up to 135 mph. “We are working on the principle of pooling our resources. Our formula is to spend equal amounts of time on the car, driving, arranging finance and or-

ganisation,” Christie said. The 24 year old said the professional approach they had adopted was also aimed at removing potential problems before the series began. “We are going all out to win, but we are also being very realistic about it,” he said. ’ The 1988 Formula Ford championship will be raced over 10 rounds and begins on January 3 at Manfeild. Other venues include Bay Park, Pukekohe, Wigram, Timaru, Ruapuna and Heretonga. The first four meetings (Manfeild, Bay Park, Pukekohe and Wigram) are part of the International Championship Series. The New Zealand championship winner is given the chance to race in the world championship final in England.