Double victory for 17-year-old Worcester racer in Barcelona

An up-and-coming racing driver from Worcester got his season off to a flying start with two wins out of two in Barcelona.

Worcester Sixth Form's Haydn Chance, 17, opened his race season in style last weekend (April 12-13), clinching victory in the first two rounds of the Ligier European Series at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.

Chance, along with his Team Virage teammate Theo Micouris, took first on the podium on both occasions, fighting for the win in the JS P4 Category.

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The first race in the morning was a nail-biter which saw the safety car bring the pack together, before the race got underway with five minutes remaining.

Chance and Micouris crossed the line in second place, however a post-race penalty for the winning car saw the pair elevated to the top step of the podium.

Reflecting on the race, Chance said: "I think the start kind of cost me my first stint to be honest.

"I seemed to struggle a little bit with the grip but then I started to gain position.

"We took second place at the chequered flag and then were promoted first after the winning car took a penalty."

He concluded: "I think my stint was ok.

"It could have been better, and I still have some work to do to improve even more."

The second race took place that afternoon.

Team Virage demonstrated their racing prowess, leading from the start.

As the pit stop window opened, the duo had the opportunity to further expand on their lead.

Despite tyre conditions worsening under an unceasingly hot track, Chance and Micouris managed to pull away with a nine-second lead before crossing the finish line first, taking his second win of the season.

Chance said: "We did a brilliant pitstop, perfectly done by the team.

"I had a good gap to build on thanks to Theo.

"I think I lost a few seconds as my tyres got worse and worse while the track was getting hotter and hotter.

"Then the safety car happened and at the restart, I tried to keep everyone back.

"It was just about getting away, staying consistent, keeping relaxed and taking the win."

Chance will have the opportunity to extend his lead at Le Castellet in France on Friday 3 and Sunday, May 5.