Rees responds to set quickest time of the day in FPA

Oxford driver holds off the challenge from Plant and Jousse

After narrowly missing out on top spot during free practice one Paul Rees responded this afternoon (Friday) to set the quickest lap time of the day during free practice two.

The Oxford-based driver has been in impressive form throughout the day, but he left it until deep into the second practice session before setting a 1:05.24s lap time. "I am obviously disappointed not to be fighting for the championship this weekend," said Rees. "There is an F2 car here and I really wanted to be the one driving it but the best way to respond will be to score some wins. I am feeling good and the car feels great so I will be going all out for victory."

Richard Plant ended up just 0.080s behind Rees and the championship leader was pleased to be ahead of his main rivals in both practice sessions. "It has been a good day," said Plant. "I am feeling really relaxed and confident about the weekend ahead."

Maxime Jousse and David Rotar took third and fourth, ahead of Jolyon Palmer and Tristan Vautier. Palmer was only able to complete one quick lap without traffic while Vautier seems to be moving ominously towards the front. The Frenchman has put in average performances during practice on a number of occasions this season but the 19-year-old is usually in good shape in time for qualifying - he will be hoping that trend continues tomorrow.

Emma Kimilainen set the pace during the opening practice session but the Finn had to recover from a trip across the grass at Russell Bend in the second session. She responded well and set the seventh fastest time late on.

Kazim Vasiliauskas was eighth, whilst Julien Gerbi improved dramatically to end up just over half a second off the ultimate pace in ninth. Felix Rosenqvist rounded off an impressive opening day in his Formula Palmer Audi career by setting the tenth fastest time. Adam Foster remains in contention to win the championship but the Bedford racer will need to improve as he was down in 14th this afternoon.

FPA new boy Danilo Estrela was another to have run across the grass at Russell Bend, whilst several others were caught out at the Esses. However, there was no notable damage to any cars in what was a fairly routine session.

The two qualifying sessions will take place at 09:40 and 11:50 tomorrow, before the important opening race commences at 15:00. The final two races of the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi season will take place on Sunday. Keep visiting the official FPA website for the latest news during this 'Title Showdown' weekend.

Formula Palmer Audi - Snetterton - free practice two results:

1. Paul Rees, 1:05.240s
2. Richard Plant, +0.080s
3. Maxime Jousse, +0.160s
4. David Rotar, +0.310s
5. Jolyon Palmer, +0.400s
6. Tristan Vautier, +0.440s
7. Emma Kimilainen, +0.500s
8. Kazim Vasiliauskas, +0.550s
9. Julien Gerbi, +0.560s
10. Felix Rosenqvist, +0.620s

The 2009 Formula Palmer Audi title showdown will take place at Snetterton this weekend (17/18 October). Tickets cost from £12 on the gate for adults. Entry is free for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or click the link below.