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Formula Sprint 2
Japanese Grand Prix
Suzuka International Racing Course
Tuesday 2nd of April 2024 19:00:00
More
March 25, 2012
Published on tags: Superleague
The grid on Shanghai showed one noticeable difference to the Red 5 Racing team - both cars on the grid, but no sign of Ben Morgan. With the No.1 driver suffering with fatigue from his stunning first season and prolonged testing period, he was given a sabbatical by team boss Gavin Thomas.


During the race, the R5R005 showed clearly that the package had improved, both cars finishing for the first time this season,(albeit in 15th and 18th places respectively); however, sour moods were left by the fact that, whilst others were fighting for points yet again the Welsh outfit were struggling for pace.


We caught up with Team Co-owner/Manager and driver Gavin Thomas and asked whether rumours of Ben Morgan losing patience with the teams are true. "Ben Morgan is an integral part of this team, he will return to race in Abu Dhabi, with everything Ben has gone through in the last 12 months, we felt he was suffering from a bit of tiredness" said Thomas.


With Ferrari being the power behind the Red 5 Racing challenger, it is rumoured the Italian manufacturer put some lofty aims as a condition to prolong the contract into 2013 - aims that are currently a big leap ahead of the Welsh team. Thomas seemed unworried: "We have no worries about the contract with Ferrari, we have a significant amount of upgrades to be brought to Abu Dhabi and we believe some people will be hugely shocked at the rate we have developed."


And finally, any interview with Gavin Thomas wouldn't be complete without questions on the reportedly sour relationship with other teams - particularly Valley neighbours Draig Racing. "Draig Racing are not a concern for me or anyone in Red 5. People think there should be comparisons between us and them because of nationality, the truth is Lee Morris is a very very experienced racer, his input is one of the driving factors for Draig being successful, Ryan Walker is also a talented guy, the only thing that had been holding them back(and maybe still is), is the way the team has been managed. However, it looks as though that has now been sorted. We wish them all the success in the future, right now we're more concerned with getting our cars right for a serious challenge on the grid."

With that Thomas was preparing to leave China for Abu Dhabi, apparently the Men of Harlech are getting there early to test the new upgrades which will rocket them up the grid in the UAE showpiece. Time will tell if the Aberdare based outfit can breath fire again!