Will Aspin shows strong pace at Brands Hatch finale

Will Aspin put in a determined drive at Brands Hatch at the weekend (October 4-6) to round out the 2024 Porsche Carrera Cup GB season, where luck would evade him in the final race.

The Italian/British teenager came into the weekend in high spirits after running well on Friday’s two free practice sessions. Heading into Saturday’s all-important 30-minute qualifying session, Will’s first new tyre run put him right in the mix, setting the second fastest Pro-Am time. However, he couldn’t quite bring the lap together on his second set of rubber and consequently would line up fifth in class for the first race.
 
He had a good start to race one, gaining a place off the line and then another as the field went out on to the Grand Prix loop and followed it up with another move to take third in class from Eden Race Drive teammate Oli White. Not long after the Safety Car was called and when racing resumed on lap nine of 17, he held position in class whilst gaining on others as the pack closed up. He was then in a six-car battle for overall position, where he was unfortunately boxed in and lost third in class, taking the flag fourth.
 
The drivers were greeted with persistent drizzle as they left the grid for the final race of the season. Nevertheless, Will made a superb start to gain third in class but in the process was sandwiched between two cars, causing damage to his steering. One lap later, because of the damage, his good work would be undone with a wide moment at Surtees sending him down the order. He attempted a comeback, but the steering issue got worse and worse, resulting in a high-speed spin exiting Paddock Hill Bend, and he retired from not long after.
 
While it wasn’t the way Will wanted to finish the season, he can look back with pride on a win a several Pro-Am podiums to add to his tally, overcoming adversity to demonstrate his speed and ability behind the wheel. He will evaluate options for 2025 and make announcements in due course.

Will Aspin
 
Championship: 7 (48 points)
 
“We had good pace in free practice, and we were feeling confident. I love Brands Hatch, and it was important to make sure we were up there to finish the season on high. Going into qualifying, on the first set of tyres we were very good and went second fastest in Pro Am and eighth overall. Then on the second set, we didn't quite hook it up, so unfortunately, we qualified 15th – not where we wanted to be.
 
“Race one was really good and great fun with some good battles. We should have really finished third in class, but we got boxed in while battling and Oli White managed to slip through, which was unfortunate. I had a great launch to race two, but I was sandwiched between Oli and another car, which damaged the steering. Throughout the race we had a bit more contact, which meant the steering got even worse, and towards the end it was undrivable, so we parked up.
 
“The season has had its ups and downs, but we've learned a lot overall. I think we can take a lot from it, but of course, it would have been nice to be fighting for the Pro-Am championship. We'll take it on the chin and move on to next year.”