Robbie Colman clinched victory at Mondello Park on Sunday in the first round of the Formula Ireland championship. The Corkman qualified third in a fine display of attacking driving after eighteen laps of the Modello Park circuit. Eleven cars lined up in qualifying and Peter Walsh soon showed the class that took him to Benelux Formula Ford honours and US F2000 race success a few years ago by seizing the initiative.
Walsh led the field away from pole while John O'Hara second and Paul Sammin fourth made great starts. O'Hara looked down the inside at Turn One but was rebuffed by Walsh and was then shunted back to fourth by Sammin and the slow away Coleman. He soon past Sammin and closed in on leader Walsh while Sammin soon had his mirrors full of impressive newcomer Barry Waugh.
Coleman was on Walsh's tail for several laps and on one occasion looked to have edged ahead at turn one before he completed the deal at the same corner a few laps later. He then eased away to a popular success with his legend father Billy watching from the stands. The next round of the series is at Kirkistown, Co Down next Saturday May 25th.
Filed by James Shortt
