Ryan Lewis has started his bid to wrap up the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship at Silverstone this weekend with a dominant performance in today's test at the Northamptonshire track. The 20 year-old Royston driver, who currently leads the series with 12 wins, posted the quickest time of 1min 46.029s around the fast, sweeping Grand Prix circuit, over a second quicker than series rival Stephen Jelley.

“Testing went really well,” said Ryan. “The car is even better than before following a successful test last week and I believe there's even more there to come for tomorrow's qualifying. The weather could well play a major role though, as more rain is forecast, which in the races can prove a nightmare with the spray. And as for qualifying, if it's wet, as long as I can get a clear lap it should be OK. Ideally for me it'll be one wet and one dry.”

The event kicks off with the first of two qualifying sessions tomorrow morning at 10.40, with the second session at 15.35. There will be no F3 track activity on Saturday and both 15 lap races will be held on Sunday at 10.05 and 15.15.

Testing times from Friday
1. Ryan Lewis BES Dallara Mugen-Honda 1m46.029s
2. Stephen Jelley Dallara Opel-Spiess 1m47.313s
3. James Winslow Dallara Renault Sodemo 1m47.327s

Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship Points after 16 rounds
1. RYAN LEWIS 290
2. Stephen Jelley 181
3. Barton Mawer 134
4. Vasilije Calasan 117
5. Adam Khan 78
6. Ajit Kumar 70
7. Ronayne O'Mahony 42

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

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12 August 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