He withstood enormous pressure both times, from Robert Wolk (Midas Sport Mygale) and Steve Morris( Van Diemen) in heat 1, who then spun off, and then Morris again in heat 2 who was relentless in his attempts to share the spoils, but then settled for the runner up spot.
Another noteworthy performance came from Nicholas van Weely (Wirral Eng.Anglorand Van Diemen) who started from the back of the field both times, after failing failing to set a time in qualifying on Saturday morning.
The current champion finished third in both races after clawing his way through the field each time. 3 time Formula Ford champion Robert Wolk managed a second and a fourth in the two races, driving what he said was a difficult car, while Jayde Kruger (FirstFreight/Motul Mygale), another former champion, retired from both races with a persistent misfire.
James Temple (GWM Mygale) again showed a lot of promise with a 4th place in heat 1, although he too did not finish heat 2, retiring after 2 laps with electrical problems.
Werner Scholtz struggled on in his unsorted Mygale, and no doubt looks forward to some testing before the next round.
In the Midas Formula Ford Zetec class, Rick Morris (Investchem Mygale) scored an easy double, with Ian Schofield and Alan Meyer, both also in Mygales, locked in combat behind him both times, and taking the remaining podium places.
Although there is clearly a lot of work to do on the setup and reliabilty of the new Duratecs, Saturday's two races augur well for what promises to be a great season ahead.
The next round of the Midas Formula Ford Championship at the tight and twisty Zwartkops on the 20th of March should see a fierce battle for the top step of the podium across the full field.
Results Heat 1
Duratecs
1st Matt Merton 13:11.152
2nd R.Wolk 13:13.148
3rd N. van Weely 13:16.228
4th J.Temple 13:17.609
Zetecs
1st R.Morris 13:29.510
2nd I.Schofield 13:35.511
3rd A.Meyer 13:42.648
Results heat 2
Duratecs
1st M.Merton 14:34.998
2nd S.Morris 14:35.863
3rd N. van Weely 14:42.027
4th R. Wolk 14:42.203
Zetecs
1st R.Morris 15:03.0974
2nd I.Schofield 15:08.208
3rd A.Meyer 15:08.854