Richard Plant clinches FPA title and F2 scholarship prize

Briton takes championship as Rosenqvist wins dramatic final race

18/10/2009 - Richard Plant claimed the 2009 Formula Palmer Audi Championship while Swede Felix Rosenqvist took victory in the final race of the season at Snetterton on Sunday 18 October. In doing so, Plant wins a £50,000 scholarship prize towards a drive in the FIA Formula Two Championship next season, and the young Briton tasted F2 machinery for the first time during a test at the end of the day's racing.

Plant held a five point lead over Kazim Vasiliauskas going into the race but there was drama in the opening moments of the final contest as the contending duo clashed off the line. Plant made a great start from fifth on the grid but had nowhere to go as a vacant gap was closed in front of him. Plant immediately braked and was hit from behind by Vasiliauskas. The Lithuanian suffered major damage to his front left wheel - the 19-year-old crashed at the first turn, and he collected Paul Rees and Bastian Graber in the process. Plant was able to continue as the safety car was immediately deployed.

Rosenqvist led Palmer at the restart, but the pair made contact a few laps later at Riches Corner as Palmer used his boost to try and pass Rosenqvist. Palmer was on the inside, but Rosenqvist defended his position and as he turned in his right rear just clipped Jolyon's front wheel. The contact caused Rosenqvist to spin into Jolyon's path, and as the Briton braked hard to avoid a collision, Vautier ran into him from behind. Palmer was out on the spot, whilst Vautier's car turned upside down and came to rest on the side of the circuit, causing the race to be immediately red flagged. Vautier was thankfully completely unharmed, but his championship dream was over.

This frenetic opening to the final FPA race of the season had already handed Plant the championship as the Englishman settled down in fourth place. Rosenqvist was able to rejoin and would actually start the restarted 9-lap race from pole - the result had been counted back by one lap as is normal procedure following a race stoppage.

Adam Foster was lying in third but the Bedford-driver needed to finish second in the race to claim third in the championship. The teenager did exactly that as he flew by Emma Kimilainen as they approached the first turn following the restart. He went on to pressure Rosenqvist before settling for the position behind the impressive debutant.

Ramon Pineiro drove another storming race and he also made a move by Kimilainen to claim the final podium position of the season. Plant gave positions away to Maxime Jousse, Ashley Babbra and David Rotar but eighth place could not stop the 19-year-old from punching the air with delight as he crossed the line.

Howard Fuller drove a fantastic race to end his maiden season in style as he held off Julien Gerbi by just 0.011s to take ninth position.

Rosenqvist celebrated his victory during the slowing down lap while Plant chose to perform impressive 'donuts' for the fans down at Russell Bend. His emotional father John looked on as Richard eventually parked his car under the podium to spark wild celebrations.

"I am just so happy," said Plant. "I really wanted this so much and I am just delighted to have taken the championship. It was hard to know what was going on but when I was hit by Kazim I was obviously worried that I had damage to my car too. Thankfully it was ok and I just desperately wanted to finish the race. I wasn't that concerned about the position in the race as I was just delighted to cross the line as the new champion."

Formula Palmer Audi - Snetterton - race three results:

1. Felix Rosenqvist, 9 laps
2. Adam Foster, +1.896s
3. Ramon Pineiro, +3.066s
4. Emma Kimilainen, +3.944s
5. Maxime Jousse, +4.305s
6. Ashley Babbra, +6.575s
7. David Rotar, +7.332s
8. Richard Plant, +8.172s
9. Howard Fuller, +12.317s
10. Julien Gerbi, +12.328s