Hayes is top Irish qualifier in Rockingham

Derek Hayes, heads the Irish challenge in the British Formula 3 double header at the Rockingham Speedway Circuit today.

The Dungannon ace, who is contesting the French F3 series, secured a drive with the top F3 team, Carlin Motorsport outfit when it emerged that championship leader, James Courtney was unable to take his usual place in the team.

Last week, the Australian and Jaguar test driver, was extremely fortunate to escape from a test accident in Monza. Courtney, was testing the 2003 Jag R3 when part of the suspension broke and he crashed at high speed into the barrier.

All four wheels and front and rear wings were taken off the car with the impact of the crash and although the Australian seemed to have made a full recovery, medical advice was that he skip the next couple of races.

That allowed Hayes his second drive with the team - he drove for Carlin at the F3 International challenge race prior to the British GP.

In today’s first race, Hayes will line up alongside pole sitter, Heikki Kovalainen with his fellow Irish

drivers, Michael Keohane and Matthew Gilmore on the sixth row. Adam Carroll from Portadown, is the top qualifier in the Scholarship category.

In the second race (round 19), Hayes is on pole with Carroll, tops in the Scholarship category, on row

three, Gilmore on the fifth row and Keohane on the sixth row.