Ryan Lewis heads into the ninth and tenth rounds of the Visma Software Formula Palmer Audi at the stunning Spa-Francorchamps circuit in Belgium this weekend, hoping to hold on to his 16-point series lead over Adam Smith. The 19 year-old, who recently contested two rounds of the UK-based Formula Renault Championship, has already taken victory this year, at the historic Monza track, and hopes that his performance then, on his first appearance outside the UK, will be repeated this weekend.

“When I raced at Monza, that was the first time I'd ever raced outside the UK and I was feeling a little nervous to say the least. But I went out there and won!” said Ryan. “Let's hope that the same happens this weekend so I can leave here with my series lead intact. Things are really hotting up at the front now, Adam has regained his early season form and both Ryan Hooker and Sam Edwards are close behind. There's still 96 points up for grabs with four rounds remaining so the championship is still wide open.”

The youngster, from Royston, Hertfordshire is the most consistently quick driver in the series taking seven podium finishes from eight rounds, including victory at Monza, six runner-up spots and his worst position being fifth!

“Things do look reasonably good I suppose, when you look at the results sheets but I can never be complacent. Look at Adam, he had a bad weekend at Monza, which dropped him right down, but he bounced back at Brands so I just have to take each day as it comes. I'll be out there doing the best I can and pray it doesn't do what Spa is renowned for - rain! I definitely prefer racing in the dry that's for sure, but Spa is famous for it's downpours and although I don't much like racing in the wet, I think the conditions suit my style better than a lot out there, so we'll have to see.”

Championship positions after 8 rounds

1. RYAN LEWIS 159
2. Adam Smith 143
3. Ryan Hooker 122
4. Sam Edwards 100
5. Chris Hyman 92

Stephen Young 92

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30/31 August 2003

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