Colin and Owen Jelf prove superiority of British circuit drivers
Colin Jelf led the fleet from start to finish in the final round of the UIM Formula II continental Cup on Saturday. Driving a Mercury powered Italian Molgaard catamaran, he repeated the success achieved in the earlier two rounds of the series in Oman two months ago.
Saturday’s, 30 lap race held in the Red Sea venue of Port Gaalib, also saw Jelf’s brother Owen finish second overall ahead of third placed Italian Fabio Carella driving a Mercury powered Babba outfit. But it was Colin who held the unassailable points lead.
The UIM Formula II Continental Cup is held annually as a prelude to the world Formula I series that begins in May. The top 17 European drivers racing standard Mercury competition engines are invited to a three race championship held in Egypt and Oman. Jelf’s success here is particularly significant as British teams no longer compete in Formula I mainly due to high costs and lack of sponsorship.
The Jelf family therefore endorse the ability of British drivers despite the fact the financial cost of Formula I is now beyond their reach.
