Comtec Racing admit they are still 'astounded' after helping Alx Danielsson walk away with a shock World Series by Renault Drivers Championship in what is the small Norfolk firm's maiden season in the high profile series.
Up against reputed rivals such as Carlin Motorsport and Draco Multiracing USA, Comtec Racing went into their first season with modest expectations but when Danielsson reeled off 89 points in the final four rounds, taking his total up to 106, they instead came away with a drivers title to their name and third place in the team standings.
It was a remarkable turnaround by Danielsson, bouncing back from a massive – and expensive - shunt mid-way through the season at Spa, by which point he barely figured inside the top ten of the standings, to score his first win at Donington Park and repeat the feat another three occasions to catch and overhaul Andy Soucek, Borja Garcia, Pastor Maldonado and Alvaro Parente to the title.
Although his victory remains provisional pending several appeal hearings to be completed in the coming weeks, it nonetheless does little to take away from the immense achievement by the unassuming Norfolk-based team.
“I am absolutely astounded at becoming World Series champions in our first year of racing in the World Series by Renault,” said Chairman Jonathan Lewis.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team who have worked tirelessly throughout the season, despite a real low point when we lost two cars at Spa, costing the team around 1,000,000 euros in damage, to the highs of winning the Championship with the last pit stop of the last race. They are amongst Norfolk's finest talents and an absolute credit.”
“I would also like to thank Alx Danielsson who is a hugely talented and likable driver, for having faith in us, a small rookie team from Norfolk. We wish him luck in his quest for a Formula One drive next season.”
Driver development manager Martin Donnelly also admits he is 'shocked' to have walked away from their first year with such success, particularly as Comtec went into the season as the David up against various Goliaths.
“At this stage I'm still in shock. The magnitude of what the team has accomplished, bearing in mind we are a little team based in Norfolk, is huge. We were up against the might of Europe's top teams, who possess vast experience at this level of motorsport, so it further emphasises the ability of human resources and engineering capabilities on our doorstep.”
“It's a credit to all those involved here at Comtec. From Engineer Roly Vincini, Jonathan, Samantha and of course, the mechanics and our partners; Renault UK, Harling Spring and Innotec. Of course we couldn't have achieved so much without our nut behind the wheel, Alx Danielsson.”
