Wrong set-up costs Cullum chance of good finish at Silverstone (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Wrong set-up costs Cullum chance of good finish at Silverstone

ROUNDS five and six of the Renault Clio Cup championship, held at Silverstone over the weekend of May 8-9, proved far from happy for Quenington driver Rob Cullum.

Qualifying was held in wet, tricky conditions and the car set-up was the key.

Unfortunately for Rob and the team, they made the decision to go for a wet set-up and, when the track dried at the end of the session, Rob was stuck down in 17the place.

This was to prove an obstacle in getting good results throughout the rest of the weekend. Round five, held on a cold, damp track on Saturday, saw difficult conditions.

Cullum managed to avoid any first-lap incidents and crossed the start-finish line in 11the place.

He did well to hang on to this position when, on lap two, he had a huge moment negotiating Brooklands, but got through without losing too much time.

By lap six, he was up to ninth and, as he came through Bridge, he was on the inside of the car in eighth place looking to make further progress.

In making his manoeuvre, he was squeezed towards the apex of the corner and had to put his right-hand side wheels on to the wet grass.

When he arrived at Priory, Cullum was sliding towards the outside of the track.

Despite applying full throttle to try and pull the car straight, he left the circuit and proceeded to negotiate the gravel trap.

He was able to rejoin the circuit but, by then, was back in 13the place and well behind the leading bunch.

He make some progress during the remaining laps and, when the flag came out, he was up to 11the position.

For round six, this time held on a dry track, Cullum again found himself lining up in 17the place on the grid, much to the disappointment of the team and its visiting guests.

At the end of lap one, he was still in 17the place and well behind the leaders. Despite being hit from behind, which upset the handling of his car, Rob was able to catch and pass three slower cars to finish 14th.

Rounds seven and eight of the championship are being held at Oulton Park this weekend. See robcullumracing.com for further information.