Ryan Lewis' bid to become 2004 Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship Champion got off to a good start today with second quickest time in both qualifying sessions for Rounds 19 and 20 at Thruxton tomorrow. Twenty year-old Ryan from Royston, Hertfordshire narrowly missed out on pole for both races, the first by just 0.034s, but remains confident of reversing the order in the two 16 lap races.

“It would have been nice to have another couple of poles, but I'm not too disappointed,” said Ryan. “The times were so close I just couldn't quite hook it up in the first sector. But at least I know where I was losing the time in qualifying so I know what I have to do in the races.”

With 12 wins already under his belt, the reigning FPA Champion now enjoys a 112 point lead with six rounds remaining and needs just 14 points to take the title. The youngster, on his first visit to the Hampshire track, traded places with series rival Stephen Jelley throughout today's sessions and knows that he will pose the biggest threat tomorrow. “Of course Stephen will be the one most likely to ruin things for me tomorrow, but the main thing for me is get the points I need, I don't even need to win the race, second would do it, but another couple of wins is what I'm aiming for.”

Tomorrow's first 16 lapper will start at 11.20 with the second taking place at 14.30.

Qualifying for Round 19
1. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:08.115
2. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:08.149
3. Ronayne O'Mahony Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:09.218
4. Vasilije Calasan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:10.051

Qualifying for Round 20
1. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:07.883
2. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:08.086
3. Ronayne O'Mahony Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:08.819
4. Vasilije Calasan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:09.445

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. James Winslow 27
9. Lars Sexton 23

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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29 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