Rising F3 star Ryan Lewis took a commanding victory in a wet round 13 of the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship at Donington Park today, his eleventh of the season and crossed the line in a fantastic eighth place just behind last round winner Alvaro Parente. The 20 year-old, who started from second place, capitalised on a start-line incident which took out Will Power, Lucas di Grassi and Marko Asmer to get the jump on his main rival and pole-sitter Stephen Jelley which he held to the flag.

With his lead over Jelley secure the 20 year-old from Royston, Hertfordshire then set about chasing down the championship cars in front, and after being held up for a lap behind Andrew Thompson slotted in behind the battle for seventh. Lap after lap he held on to the back of Parente to cross the line 5 and half seconds behind and comfortably ahead of Jelley to extend his series lead to 101 points.

“That was a great race and I'm really pleased with the result today,” said Ryan. “I didn't make a great start, about as good at Stephen's, but he was on the outside of the grid and I was on the inside and when the three in front collided I was able to get the jump on him. There were a few people out there on slicks, I was on wets, and it was definitely the right choice. I got stuck behind Andrew Thompson for a lap before I managed to get past him, then I let my team-mate Karun (Chandhok) through. After that I just concentrated on keeping the lead to ten seconds and try and keep in touch with Parente ahead. I hope it's raining for tomorrow!”

Tomorrow's race, which sees Ryan on pole position, will take place at 17.55.

Results of Round 13
1. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 29:715.70
2. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 29:812.39
3. Ronayne O'Mahony Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 30:527.27
4. Vasilije Calasan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 30:791.91

Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship Points after 13 rounds
1. RYAN LEWIS 241
2. Stephen Jelley 140
3. Barton Mawer 134
4. Vasilije Calasan 93
5. Adam Khan 78
6. Ajit Kumar 70
7. Ronayne O'Mahony 12

Editor's note: Copyright free images of Ryan Lewis are available from the website below. All requests for interview should be directed to Cathy Metcalfe at the details below

Ref: ml00094
26 June 2004

For media information: Cathy Metcalfe, MPR Associates, Tel: 01327 352199, Fax: 01327 352908
Mob: 07802 332398 E-mail: cathymetcalfe@mpr-associates.co.uk www.ryanlewisracing.co.uk