In what's turning out to be an incredibly busy end of season for 19 year-old FPA Champion Ryan Lewis, the Royston driver flew out, at the invitation of Ferrari UK, to Fiorano to sample the awesome Maserati Trofeo at a recent test session around the Ferrari Formula One test track. The Trofeo test session was arranged at Fiorano on 15 December for drivers interested in participating in next season's championship and for Ryan was an opportunity to drive his fourth different race car since the UK motor racing season came to an end.

The car, derived from the Coupe Cambiocorsa, was “probably the best saloon car I've ever driven,” said Ryan. Adding, “It's very close to the road car, including ABS and traction control, which unfortunately they wouldn't switch off! Nevertheless it was a great experience and one that I thoroughly enjoyed. I settled into it quickly and it was well worth the trip out there.”

“The cars are very quick, about 400bhp, run on slick tyres and with very different brakes to the road-going car, but other than that are very similar. I'm still looking to run in Formula 3 next season, and hope to announce which team very shortly, but it was certainly an eye-opener driving the Maserati and maybe I'll look at doing some races out there too.”

The series, the quickest one-make championship, has thrilled spectators all year on some of Europe's most prestigious tracks and although the 2004 calendar is yet to be finalised, looks likely to again feature seven rounds across Europe including a race in the UK.

ENDS

Editors note: Copyright free pictures of Ryan are available at the website below and requests for interview should be directed to Cathy Metcalfe at the details below.

Ref: ml00051
21 December 2003

For media information: Cathy Metcalfe, MPR Associates, Tel: +44 (0) 1327 352199
Fax: +44 (0) 1327 352908, Mob: +44 (0) 7802 332398, E-mail: cathymetcalfe@mpr-associates.co.uk

Website: www.ryanlewisracing.co.uk