Marcus Ericsson has extended his Formula
BMW UK Championship lead by a precious few points after coming out on top of a head-to-head tussle with arch-rival Josef Kral at
Snetterton.
Heading into rounds 13 and 14 at the Norfolk circuit determined to protect an advantage that has steadily dwindled over the last few races, long-time leader Ericsson got his weekend off to a good start with a pair of pole positions for the two races.
However, it was not a lights-to-flag win for the Swede after getting too much wheelspin at the start and allowing fellow front row sitter Kral into an early lead around the outside of Riches.
Nonetheless, although Kral remains the most victorious racer this season, it was quickly evident the Czech driver did not possess the same pace as his rival, Ericsson recovering from his lacklustre first lap to rapidly close on a circuit still drying from an early morning downpour.
Up onto the tail of Kral by the end of the second lap, the duo embarked on a tussle for the lead, Ericsson getting remarkably close on lap five as they crossed the finish line but being unable to find a way past.
In the end, Ericsson was gifted the victory when Kral, having eked out a small gap again, clipped the receding wet line heading into Riches causing him to run significantly wide, enough to allow the Fortec car through into the lead.
It was the only prompt Ericsson needed to speed away and cross the line eventually over three seconds ahead of a somewhat disappointed Kral. A result that gives him a 16 point lead in the process, Ericsson was delighted to come away with the win.
It was very good, he said. I should have won the race from the start, but I didn't get away well. However, I knew quickly that I was faster than Kral and when he made his mistake I was able to get through and go on to win. The car was very good and great to drive, so I am very happy.
