Leggate QUITS BTCC

[Jonathan McLeod]

As I predicted when she announced she was missing Knockhill when the team said the car was ready.

Fiona Leggate has withdrawn from the series with immediate effect. It looks likely that Paul O'Neill will replace her for the final two meetings.

Should give us a chance to see what the car is capable of with a professional driver.

[FlashGordon]

As I predicted when she announced she was missing Knockhill when the team said the car was ready.

Fiona Leggate has withdrawn from the series with immediate effect. It looks likely that Paul O'Neill will replace her for the final two meetings.

Should give us a chance to see what the car is capable of with a professional driver.
Dude can I say losing Fiona is a big dent into the sport. Ok so maybe she isnt a front runner but having a female racer in the series made it more of a Series. Tell me which other premier racing championships apart from Danica Patrick (and which ever American oval racing she does) has a female driver? Fiona please come back next year and just dont take any notice of comments like what Jonathon said.

[CharlieJ]

I think it's a shame that Fiona isn't going to continue. I've always thought that there should be more women in motor racing. Unlike track and field events and team sports where the physical differences count, it's a sport where they can compete directly with the men, on a even playing field. Instead of certain people constantly having a go at Fiona, we should be trying to encourage more women into racing. They could bring a whole new audience, and new sponsorship, and that could only be good for the sport.

[Jonathan McLeod]

I don't make the comments because she is female, just, that IMO, she has proved herself incompetent during the season, and was far further back than she should have been in that car, as hopefully Paul will show.

I know from discussing this topic on other forums that her ability is not held in a high esteem within the paddock. Being fair to her, she's never stated she's better than she is, only her obcessive fans have.

I don't understand the point about her being female? Are you suggesting that she should be in the series because major motorsport series need females competiting? I have absolutely nothing against talented female drivers entering the series.

[nail-Z]

...Tell me which other premier racing championships apart from Danica Patrick (and which ever American oval racing she does) has a female driver?...

Champ Car (Katherine Legge).

[FlashGordon]

I don't make the comments because she is female, just, that IMO, she has proved herself incompetent during the season, and was far further back than she should have been in that car, as hopefully Paul will show.

I know from discussing this topic on other forums that her ability is not held in a high esteem within the paddock. Being fair to her, she's never stated she's better than she is, only her obcessive fans have.

I don't understand the point about her being female? Are you suggesting that she should be in the series because major motorsport series need females competiting? I have absolutely nothing against talented female drivers entering the series.
No what im saying is I know she isnt as good as the other drivers out there and as you pointed out she has never claimed to be. She did her best and even you have to give her credit for that. And I reckon its good to see female at the pinacle events as Motorsport is one of the most Male dominated work places and having a female in any major sports will then hopefully motivate more women to try and enter it. Im not saying she should have a place just cause shes a women, what im saying is she should come back next year as she has built up a good fan base and even though she wasnt at the front she put the effort in.

[CharlieJ]

No what im saying is I know she isnt as good as the other drivers out there and as you pointed out she has never claimed to be. She did her best and even you have to give her credit for that. And I reckon its good to see female at the pinacle events as Motorsport is one of the most Male dominated work places and having a female in any major sports will then hopefully motivate more women to try and enter it. Im not saying she should have a place just cause shes a women, what im saying is she should come back next year as she has built up a good fan base and even though she wasnt at the front she put the effort in.
I agree with Flash. I also tend to look for the good points rather than the bad, and when Fiona was actually racing against someone she showed potential. In fact the only driver I've seen who I would say definitely should never have been in the BTCC was Farique Haruman.

We'll just have to see how well Paul O'Neill goes in the car.

[tin-top fan]

I have to say that loosing a female driver isn't good for the series, but it will be interesting to see how the car goes in the hands of another driver.
By the way, is there a source for this news ?

[Jonathan McLeod]

Motorsport News

[imortlock]

Tell me which other premier racing championships apart from Danica Patrick (and which ever American oval racing she does) has a female driver? Fiona please come back next year and just dont take any notice of comments like what Jonathon said.

Completely aggree with FlashGordon's views re Fiona - will be a shame to lose her, but to point out another high profile chamionship with women drivers, the DTM has 2 - (with apologies for any mis-spelling) Vanina Ixks & Susie Stoddard (not trying to wee on your chips Flash - but you did ask!:D )

[FlashGordon]

Completely aggree with FlashGordon's views re Fiona - will be a shame to lose her, but to point out another high profile chamionship with women drivers, the DTM has 2 - (with apologies for any mis-spelling) Vanina Ixks & Susie Stoddard (not trying to wee on your chips Flash - but you did ask!:D )
LOl I know after I posted that I was like how many replies should I expect? So far its two im thinking will end at 10-ish.

[Brooklands78]

Dude can I say losing Fiona is a big dent into the sport. Ok so maybe she isnt a front runner but having a female racer in the series made it more of a Series. Tell me which other premier racing championships apart from Danica Patrick (and which ever American oval racing she does) has a female driver? Fiona please come back next year and just dont take any notice of comments like what Jonathon said.
Fully agree, Flash - she brought a lot of positive publicity to BTCC at a time when it is difficult to get the media to provide the series with the coverage that it deserves. She was certainly not the slowest driver/car combination on the grid. It's a great shame that she's decided to leave the series and I hope that, if a new opportunity presents itself for next year, she reconsiders her decision!

Maybe we will get to see just how good (or otherwise!) the car really is but, if it turns out that it still runs towards the back of the pack with Paul O'Neill at the wheel, I hope those who have questioned Fiona's right to be in the series will be gracious enough to revise their opinions!

[Le Mans]

......In fact the only driver I've seen who I would say definitely should never have been in the BTCC was Farique Haruman......




Did you ever see John B & Q?

[Pedalpusher]

No what im saying is I know she isnt as good as the other drivers out there and as you pointed out she has never claimed to be. She did her best and even you have to give her credit for that. And I reckon its good to see female at the pinacle events as Motorsport is one of the most Male dominated work places and having a female in any major sports will then hopefully motivate more women to try and enter it. Im not saying she should have a place just cause shes a women, what im saying is she should come back next year as she has built up a good fan base and even though she wasnt at the front she put the effort in.

Very good post Flash, I agree with all that you've said. It's good to have Paul O'Neill back, but I sorry that it's as the result of losing Fiona.

[daveyuk]

I think it's sad to lose any driver from the series whether it be a male or female driver. On my part I wish all the best to Fiona for the future and hope that one day she may return to the BTCC.

[markoos]

Champ Car (Katherine Legge).
DTM Susie Stoddart

[VkmSpouge]

I think she did have a disappointing year, she didn't progress as much as what was expected. I'll miss Leggate. I do hope Paul o'Neill does get the drive with Tech-speed.

[CharlieJ]

Did you ever see John B & Q?
Oops - forgot about him! He was probably even worse than Haruman :p

[Claw]

It looks likely that Paul O'Neill will replace her for the final two meetings.



Oh yippee. :rolleyes: Most overrated driver in history. He couldn't even drive the safety car quickly at Brands a couple of years back. lol

[Toto]

But he did manage to win a couple of BTCC races when he was in it before...

I really hope Paul gets a break having had to recover from Diabetes. Not only is he a decent driver, but excellent value for the fans, media and sponsors.

[Williams Ren 99]

Its a shame to hear that Leggates leaving,:( , But I cant say I'm surprised though I dont mean for that to sound nasty or anything, as all shes had is Bad luck after bad luck in the BTCC, But Hopefully we'll see her again in the near future hopefully

[Andy Henderson]

Bad new is this, Hopefully we'll be seeing her back in the not to distant future

[nealfan]

I think that is a real shame to lose her from the championship! She was a good asset to the championship! Be interesting what paul o'neill can do

[FlashGordon]

I reckon he might carry straight on at Paddock hill or Graham hill bends in the first two races at Brands. Would still like Fiona more then Paul but good luck to him.

[rachiebabe11]

Its a pity that she has finished i think we definatly need more women drivers in the championship you never know a women might win the the championship some time in the future.

[Claw]

But he did manage to win a couple of BTCC races when he was in it before...



What two wins with the best car on the grid. Big wow.

[Les]

very sad that she is leaving the BTCC but luckily she is not stopping racing as she is out at Silverstone this weekend. I wish her luck in whatever she does.

As for Owy - if he is back then great but that is probably a very big IF

[no1fionafan]

Is there a source. thanks :)

[Andy Henderson]

Is there a source. thanks :)
Source, What do you mean Red, brown, Heinz, HP, Daddy's?

[Marc W]

I can confirm the part about Fiona withdrawing from Techspeed is true. ( I have no idea about the Paul O Neil part.) I was in contact with her father this morning. I don't want to say too much on the subject before Fiona makes a statement herself on her website, but it was Fiona's decision. It is nothing to do with lack of Budget (Unlike Knockhill), and she fully intends to continue competing in the BTCC in the future.

Jonathan I have no problem with your dislike for her, it is up to you what your opinions are. However I do take offence with the way you attack people who support her. Just because somebody supports her it does not make them "obsessive". All the other driver have their own supporter who are similarly enthusiastic and in many cases more so and they don't get called obbessive. Please if you have to comment on her could you do so without the personal attacks on people.

(I don't expect you to take the slightest bit of notice, but I felt I had to say it.)

[Andy Henderson]

I
I know from discussing this topic on other forums that her ability is not held in a high esteem within the paddock. Being fair to her, she's never stated she's better than she is, only her obcessive fans have.

Well you'd know all about being"obsessive", because your always on here in the currently active users bit whenever I come on here, You need to get out more fella if all you do all day is sit there constantly clicking the refresh button on various forums!!!:o

[Jonathan McLeod]

I'd take a look at the post rates if I were you. I'm far from the most prolific of posters on this forum. And about Fiona, I'm entitled to my opinion and stand by what I posted.

[Andy Henderson]

I'd take a look at the post rates if I were you. I'm far from the most prolific of posters on this forum. And about Fiona, I'm entitled to my opinion and stand by what I posted.
Yep nothing wrong with that, just that we've heard your opinion on Leggate before we dont need to keep hearing.
Why do I have to take a look at post rates, I were'nt going on that, your always on here though in the currently active users!!!:o

[Andy Henderson]

Slightly off topic anyway, but who has the most posts on here?
Not that I wanna before anyone jumps to conclusions,lol

[mondeoman]

What two wins with the best car on the grid. Big wow.
Funny I thought there were four VX Coupe's, not one. Had the others crashed when he won.

[Jonathan McLeod]

Yep nothing wrong with that, just that we've heard your opinion on Leggate before we dont need to keep hearing.
Why do I have to take a look at post rates, I were'nt going on that, your always on here though in the currently active users!!!:o

However, that, by its very nature, infers thats your always on here too. The IQ of the average member here really has fallen!!

[mattlovestbs]

Dude can I say losing Fiona is a big dent into the sport. Ok so maybe she isnt a front runner but having a female racer in the series made it more of a Series. Tell me which other premier racing championships apart from Danica Patrick (and which ever American oval racing she does) has a female driver? Fiona please come back next year and just dont take any notice of comments like what Jonathon said.

try the DTM with Suzie Stoddart and Vanina Ickx

[cos]

However, that, by its very nature, infers thats your always on here too. The IQ of the average member here really has fallen!!

"Implies" rather than "infers"; "you're" rather than "your". IQ average successfully dragged back up! (I really should get out more...)

[Jonathan McLeod]

Grammars never been my strong point!

[Racing_Fan]

"Implies" rather than "infers"; "you're" rather than "your". IQ average successfully dragged back up! (I really should get out more...)
Ha ha haaa. Very good. You students do have your funny moments don't you!

[nail-Z]

Slightly off topic anyway, but who has the most posts on here?
Not that I wanna before anyone jumps to conclusions,lol


http://www.btcc.net/forum/memberlist.php?&order=DESC&sort=posts&pp=30

[Jonathan McLeod]

Your always on when I'm on. You need to get a life!! Haha. Your dumb, no offense. Reread what I posted above.

For you to see that I am online, means you must be online!

[Williams Ren 99]

However, that, by its very nature, infers thats your always on here too. The IQ of the average member here really has fallen!!
Now, now dont throw your toys out of the pram children.;)

[Williams Ren 99]

Your always on when I'm on. You need to get a life!! Haha. Your dumb, no offense. Reread what I posted above.

For you to see that I am online, means you must be online!
Whos this aimed at?

[Alsicole]

According to a quote at the Autosport site the team says Fiona has pulled out due to lack of budget, which I believe an earlier poster said wasn't the case.

Anyone with a further insight into this?

[Jonathan McLeod]

Whos this aimed at?

Andy Henderson aka Troll

[Williams Ren 99]

Andy Henderson aka Troll
Oh right fair enough, Just thought I'd ask cause thought it was abit random just stuck there;) I dont think there a troll though judging by there posts

[Andy Henderson]

Andy Henderson aka Troll
I thought I'd come on here and what a Suprise Mr Mcleod is still on, what a sad act!!

[Jonathan McLeod]

I've told you already. Because of the way I login I always appear logged in!

[Marc W]

According to a quote at the Autosport site the team says Fiona has pulled out due to lack of budget, which I believe an earlier poster said wasn't the case.

Anyone with a further insight into this?

The Info I gave was from her Father, I'd be more inclined to believe, but who anyone else wants to believe is entirely up to them. I would imagine Autosport have just guessed the reason was funding without actually knowing for certain.

[Jonathan McLeod]

Maybe you should stop believing everything they tell you? Team still telling you she's quicker than Muller?

[VkmSpouge]

Well Autosport doesn't have any quote on their website by anyone saying what the reason is. It might well be that they guessed at the reason. Indeed no other reports have a quote saying what the precise reason.
Leggate Fan on the other hand has spoken to Fiona's Dad and he has apparently ruled out budgetary problems. Still we'll have to hear what Fiona has to say herself about why she has withdrawn.

[HEATHY]

so I did have some points in the earlier topic, and I cant recall who but good prediction mate, with saying you will be surprised if we see her back this year! finances as she quoted herself was a major issue with repair costs being alot higher than budgeted for!

a real shame to see anyone leave this truly tremendous years BTCC.

Alan Hyde did say at Knockhill that he had a phone call from someones sister and that he would tell us what it was later...however I think he was told to keep zip, as he never touched on it again...leaving us a little puzzled in the audience!

[Williams Ren 99]

Maybe you should stop believing everything they tell you? Team still telling you she's quicker than Muller?
Probably are;)

[FlashGordon]

Maybe you should stop believing everything they tell you? Team still telling you she's quicker than Muller?
Who should we believe then? The press what a great job they do! They dont lie one little bit do they. Next you will say the Pope told all people under 12 to jump off a cliff as you heard it from the press.

[Jonathan McLeod]

You should use your intelligence and intepretate the validity and impartiality of the sources of information.

For example, a while ago Leggate fan posted that Techspeed has told her that Fiona was getting the absolute maximum possible out of her Astra Coupe at Thruxton. Leggate fan believed this as gospel truth, and thus posted and defended it on forums, when its clearly not true.

75% of what appears in the press surrounding the BTCC is true. Most of it is written by generally unbiased motorsport journalists. Just remember that when you hear information direct from a source, such as Leggate, chances are the information is less than accurate. They put their own interests fitst (correctly - as everyone would), and so are likely to be economical with the truth. Just the way it works :)

[FlashGordon]

You should use your intelligence and intepretate the validity and impartiality of the sources of information.

For example, a while ago Leggate fan posted that Techspeed has told her that Fiona was getting the absolute maximum possible out of her Astra Coupe at Thruxton. Leggate fan believed this as gospel truth, and thus posted and defended it on forums, when its clearly not true.

75% of what appears in the press surrounding the BTCC is true. Most of it is written by generally unbiased motorsport journalists. Just remember that when you hear information direct from a source, such as Leggate, chances are the information is less than accurate. They put their own interests fitst (correctly - as everyone would), and so are likely to be economical with the truth. Just the way it works :)
So your saying that Leggate doesnt even know the reason she quit basically. Yet the press does.

[Jonathan McLeod]

NO - REREAD please

I'm saying that for her agenda, giving a false reason for quitting may be advantageous, whereas the press/media have nothing to gain from doing so.

[VkmSpouge]

But don't the press get their information from the teams and drivers as well?

[Jonathan McLeod]

Yes, but they do their own investigative journalism, and hence, often are able to print stories about future plans that have yet to be announced.

And in this case it seems to be that Fiona Leggate (or at least her dad) is saying one thing, whilst Marvin Humphries and Techspeed are saying another.

[VkmSpouge]

But as far as I'm aware the only quotes by Marvin Humphries are the ones saying how disappointed he is that Leggate isn't going to see out the season. The same quote on Crash.net and Autosport.com.

[Jonathan McLeod]

"Fiona could have gone well at Brands and she had her best ever BTCC result at Silverstone last year," he said. "We are very disappointed."

And MN indicated it was Fiona that pulled the plug, not Techspeed. Especially as Techspeed are now working on entering Paul O'Neill instead.

[Nikki_C]

I think it is a terrible shame to be losing Fiona. She is a great ambassador for the sport, and while she isn't the fastest out there, she has never claimed to be. She always has time for her fans, and has a smile and a kind word for everyone in the paddock, even when things are going pear shaped for her. We could do with more people like that in the paddock, regardless of their gender.

I do think though that seeing a woman on the grid has been great though, especially for young girly fans who see a woman on the track, and really think this is an achievable dream to have, thus not having their dreams dashed before even being old enough to know any better.

As for the reason, in a lot of ways it doesn't matter why - I mean knowing why she isn't racing any more isn't going to bring her back now is it! I just wish her all the best, and really hope we see her back on track really soon.


As for Danger Scouse replacing her...oh my I hope so!!! Yes, when he won races he was in one of the best cars out there, but so is Darren Turner currently, and he has had how many wins this season?? Ditto Mr Smith last season when Muller was winning races in the Astra, proving it was a car that could achieve wins. How many did he manage?? Paul has proven that he has the talent to win races in the right car, (which is all we can ask of any driver, surely!) and he is extremely popular in the paddock and with the fans. I am chuffed to bits that his chance may finally have come. My fingers are crossed and everything!!! :D

[VkmSpouge]

"Fiona could have gone well at Brands and she had her best ever BTCC result at Silverstone last year," he said. "We are very disappointed."

And MN indicated it was Fiona that pulled the plug, not Techspeed. Especially as Techspeed are now working on entering Paul O'Neill instead.

Precisely that contradicts nothing we've heard indirectly from Fiona's Dad by Leggate Fan.

[Alsicole]

So in answer to my question, no-one has a definitive answer as to why Fiona is not seeing out the season.

I like her. Like Nikki I think there's great value in having a woman driver in BTCC, even if she's not the quickest, she's certainly not running way behind, and so deserves her place. I hope she manages to sort something out for next year.

[Marc W]

Maybe you should stop believing everything they tell you? Team still telling you she's quicker than Muller?

The team never told me that in the first place. No idea where you got that from I have never said she was quicker than Muller. The stuff I quoted before was not from the team it was from her father as I thought I'd made clear.

[Mogwai]

I think this is a sad loss. Not sure of the circumstances around her departure, but will be a shame to lose the only woman driver from BTCC.

[Les]

Team still telling you she's quicker than Muller?.


actually you probably heard something similar from me sometime ago.

Fiona is no slouch in that car. Her times at one circuit (and forgive me but I have forgotten which one) were exactly th same as Thommos when he had the car. Now taking that into context - Thommo would have had it the year before or even the year before that but it is still a great achievement for someone with her experience.

It is sad losing her from the grid as she is a roll model for a few potential racers out there. This weekend I had the pleasure of introducing a young girl to her heroine at Silverstone.

Now for goodness sake give it a rest

[Jonathan McLeod]

Good to see Paul O'Neills managed to get the Astra into the section of the field it should be :)

[Brooklands78]

Good to see Paul O'Neills managed to get the Astra into the section of the field it should be :)
Seems to be pretty much the same section of the field that it's always been in! In the first meeting of the season at Brands it qualified 14th with a fastest lap of 50.64, yesterday it qualified 13th in 50.09. Okay, there are more cars behind it, because there are more cars competing - but then, there virtually as many in front, and more or less the same ones! Nothing against Paul O'Neill, good luck to him in today's races. Perhaps he's got an extra half a second a lap out of the Astra, but maybe Fiona Leggate would have posted similar times this time around?!

[Toto]

Doubt it. The track was half a second or more off yesterday - Chilton's pole in April was a 48.9 but yesterday's pole was only a 49.3. That's despite the advancements the cars have made since then and Chilton was on only a 49.7. So you'd have to say Paul has perhaps dragged the thick end of a second more out of the car which is a lot at Brands Indy.

[VkmSpouge]

Seems to be pretty much the same section of the field that it's always been in! In the first meeting of the season at Brands it qualified 14th with a fastest lap of 50.64, yesterday it qualified 13th in 50.09. Okay, there are more cars behind it, because there are more cars competing - but then, there virtually as many in front, and more or less the same ones! Nothing against Paul O'Neill, good luck to him in today's races. Perhaps he's got an extra half a second a lap out of the Astra, but maybe Fiona Leggate would have posted similar times this time around?!

No o'Neill has definitely improved on Leggate. As Toto said the track is actually about 0.4s slower than it was in the spring and o'Neill still went over half a second faster than Leggate. O'Neill also managed to out qualify Dave Pinkney and James Kaye, something I doubt Leggate could have done.

[Jonathan McLeod]

Points in race 1, and just missed out in race 2. Cars going significantly better than it has done so far this season.

[sonofzelda]

With a 4th overall place in 2003 I don't think O'Neill needs to prove his BTCC credentials. Interestingly Fiona's website, although keeping mysteriously quiet about her budget problems, has now announced that she has a new commercial manager who says they are seeking re-entry to the BTCC next year with a 'competitive team...who can prepare...a race-winning car'.

[spadgebump]

I'd like to end the notion that some may have that women do not have a place in motorsport. In what is a very macho sport, there are women drivers (eg Katherine Legge), and given the equipment women can compete.

This is proven by Michelle Mouton (http://www.clubvw.org.au/images/michelem.jpg) who in her Audi Quattro, alongside her co-driver Fabrizia Pons, in the early 1980's was a front runner in the World Rally Championship. She became the first woman to win a WRC event at San Remo in 1981, and went on to win a further three in Portugal, Brazil and Acropolis in 1982, finishing ultimately a close second to Opel's Walter Rohrl in the final championship standings, no thanks to a mechanical failiure.

Mouton was also the first woman to win the Pikes Peak Hillclimb event in 1985 setting a new course record in the process.

Click here to see Mouton behind the wheel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_hDIPcNIIo)

;)

[tsunami99]

The problem is that there is a lack of female drivers in general coming through the ranks.

If their as good as the top drivers then they deserve to be at the top. What you don't want is a female driver thrown in a BTCC seat because she's female and the media wanna make a thing of it. There are very talented female drivers coming through the ranks and lets hope (like Fiona) they can get to the top on their talent

(I liked the idea of Fiona having a Grid Bloke at one of the races, kind of evened it up)

[CharlieJ]

Much as I liked watching Fiona having battles with the other back-markers, having seen what Paul can do with the same car (especially straight after an 18 month lay-off), I have to say that Fiona was under-achieving. It would be good if she could get back into the BTCC, but perhaps she needs to learn how to get more out of the car and herself?

[Le Mans]

The problem is that there is a lack of female drivers in general coming through the ranks.

If their as good as the top drivers then they deserve to be at the top. What you don't want is a female driver thrown in a BTCC seat because she's female and the media wanna make a thing of it. There are very talented female drivers coming through the ranks and lets hope (like Fiona) they can get to the top on their talent

(I liked the idea of Fiona having a Grid Bloke at one of the races, kind of evened it up)

Have you been watching Formula Woman? Some great racing and really entertaining. I noticed someone asked Alan Gow if a Formula Woman race could be incorporated into the BTCC package and he said no. I think that is a shame as it could attract a lot of interest from supporters who maybe would not otherwise go to a BTCC meeting. If you haven't seen any of their races try to get hold of a recording, I think you will enjoy it.

[sonofzelda]

I'm glad that someone else has been enjoying Formula Woman. I watched Kirsty Jeffrey win their last race in the pouring rain at Silverstone(30th Sept). It was real end-to-end stuff with the lead changing hands several times. The excitement and enthusiasm in the pits afterwards was fantastic to experience. I think Formula Woman would will bring extra variety and interest to the BTCC program so I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

[redshoes]

I noticed someone asked Alan Gow if a Formula Woman race could be incorporated into the BTCC package and he said no. I think that is a shame as it could attract a lot of interest from supporters who maybe would not otherwise go to a BTCC meeting.
Do you mean TV viewers or actual paying at the gate supporters? Have you been to a FW race and seen how many spectators there are? I'm not putting FW down, sadly it's the same situation with an BRSCC/BARC/etc 'clubie' event. Take away the family/friends/team and the number of spectators is minimal.

Alan Gow's very definate answer has nothing to do with that fact it's women racing and everything to do with the level the series runs at.

[sonofzelda]

Good point Redshoes. When I asked A. G. about FW I was thinking more in terms of promoting FW rather than BTCC.

[Freddie]

No o'Neill has definitely improved on Leggate. As Toto said the track is actually about 0.4s slower than it was in the spring and o'Neill still went over half a second faster than Leggate. O'Neill also managed to out qualify Dave Pinkney and James Kaye, something I doubt Leggate could have done.


Just remember that last year while Muller was wringing podiums out of his new Astra his team mates were struggling to stay in the top ten. This year Turkington is back in a car that suits his style and so finished 3rd overall and second Independant. The difference this year is that the MG is set up to have slight understeer and the Asra is wildly tail happy. (Something Muller and Thommo prefer) Paul is obviously happy in an Asta as he drove it with a lot of success before he was forced to hang up his helmet until his diabetis was under control.
The point I am making is that Fiona has had most of her experience in MGs so they must suit her driving style. Breaking the lap record in a Mini Cooper at Thruxton proves she is no slouch. So how much better would she have been if she had got a drive in Jason Hughes' car?
She tested a SEAT at Brands so she may be contesting the SEAT Cupra Challenge next year but I would much rather see her driving a ZS if only to find out if I am right about how good she really is. After all the only time I have been disappointed in her driving has been when she was in the Astra. Everything else has seen her battling near the front.

[Jonathan McLeod]

Yes, because everything else has been CLUB racing!

[BTCC2]

Fiona Leggate has the potential to do well, but at the minuite she is nothing more than a club racer, she makes to many mistakes and rarely shows flashes of speed. If she were to come backe in 4 or 5 years after broadening her race experience in things like Britcar and various other championships she would come back a lot better.

She has the budget to come back at any time though.

[sonofzelda]

Hi BTCC2
The reason given for Fiona dropping out of the final rounds of the BTCC was that she did not have a sufficient budget. I don't think lack of ability was a problem as she was not the worst driver and is better then some of the latecomers. I agree she is not as good as O'Neill who was, after all, her tutor.

Are you saying that she now has the budget to return or that that was never the real reason she left in the first place?

[Jonathan McLeod]

It was never the real reason. How did O'Neill manage to do the final two rounds? Without any extra sponsorship? She quit because she was slow.

[Marc W]

She did not quit because she was slow. It was not due to budget reasons either. However as fiona herself has chosen not to comment further I don't think it would be right for me to say anything else. She does hope to return to the series next season.

Also Paul O`Neil did have extra funding from Fuji, Tom Tom, Quest trucks, and a couple of other smaller sponsors mention on the bonnet.

[sonofzelda]

McCloud
Is this this just your opinion or do you have some basis for your assertions?

[sonofzelda]

Leggate Fan
As always you seem to have the racing line.

[Marc W]

I've got to know both fiona and her father this season. I also often contribute to her website.

[BTCC2]

She does hope to return to the series next season.
.

Tell us more!!!:D

[cookingfat]

Tell us more!!!:D
Not more to tell at the moment!

As Leggate Fan! says, She is 'hoping' to return to the BTCC like many other drivers are...