Looking back at the year, it’s really easy to say how bad luck effected our year, and while that’s true, had I not been ill at Thruxton, or missed qualifying at Donington, or had mechanical issues from great positions at Snetterton or Silverstone, it could well have been a totally different season. We had, in my opinion, one of the strongest packages in the second half of the year and we really should have got more from this year, but that’s just how it goes in this championship sometimes.
At the end of the day, there are four people ahead of us at the end of the year with more points than us – fair play to them, they beat us, that’s that.
Normally at this point of the season I’m almost glad it’s over and ready for the off season, but after how strong we felt at the end of this season I can’t wait to get stuck in to 2019. I feel I’ve driven better than I ever had before, and I can’t say I’m not frustrated at all of these issues, but that’s the way it is. While I was saying I was aiming for third in the standings and having to settle for fifth, at the end of the day I’m only interested in winning. Yes, I’d prefer to be third rather than fifth, but neither of them is first.
Fair play to Colin, he did a fantastic job all year and his consistency paid off – he’s now a three-time champion.
Looking ahead to 2019, you always have to look around and see what’s out there. Of course I have to consider my sponsors and what’s best for them, but naturally the continuity with West Surrey would be a huge factor in deciding where I am for 2019, and if Colin returns then I’d love nothing more than to be alongside him again and try to beat him. I always want to push myself against the very best.
Photography by Motorsport Images.