Ryan Lewis kicked off his bid to be crowned 2004 Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship Champion at Thruxton this Bank Holiday Monday with a successful test on his first visit to the Hampshire track. The 20 year-old from Royston, Hertfordshire, had never driven on the track prior to today's two 90-minute sessions, but wound up comfortably quickest in the first session although his series rival Stephen Jelley reversed the order for the second.

It's a very fast circuit,” said Ryan. “And they were right, it's flat out pretty much everywhere you just don't back off which does suit me. But one thing's for sure, I certainly wouldn't want to go off there. Unfortunately both sessions were wet and although I was able to learn the track, if it's wet for qualifying, it'll be back to square one again on the settings. Everything seemed OK though and I was happy to be quickest in the first session although gutted to lose out in the second by just two tenths!”

This weekend could crown a new champion in Lewis, who is just 14 points away from winning the title. The reigning FPA Champion will bid to become the champion with still four rounds remaining and victory or second in the first of Bank Holiday Monday's rounds could see him lift the crown. Lewis already has 12 wins under his belt and currently holds a 112 point lead over Stephen Jelley but there's still a potential 126 points up for grabs.

Qualifying for Rounds 19 and 20 take place on Sunday at 12.50 and 15.30, with the two 16-lap races scheduled to start on Monday at 11.20 and 14.30.

Combined testing times - Friday
1. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:15.699
2. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:15.968
3. Ronayne O'Mahony Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:16:935
4. Vasilije Calasan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:18.550

Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship Points after 18 rounds
1. RYAN LEWIS 303
2. Stephen Jelley 191
3. Vasilije Calasan 158
4. Barton Mawer 134
5. Adam Khan 78
6. Ajit Kumar 70
7. Ronayne O'Mahony 54
8. Lars Sexton 23
9. James Winslow 27

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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27 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