Ryan Lewis continued his successful Formula 3 testing programme with a two-day outing at Croft circuit in County Durham last week, clocking up another 200 miles in his BES Plc T-Sport Dallara Mugen-Honda. The 19 year-old from Royston, Herts, embarking on his first season in the country's premier single-seater Championship, posted the quickest time in the first day's morning session and finally wound up just off the more experienced Scholarship runners at the end of the two days.

“The first morning went really well and I was pleased to be quickest in the session but of course a little disappointed not to end up in that position,” said Ryan. “I know I could have gone quicker but maybe I didn't maximise my time on new tyres as well as I could have. But I'm still learning and each time I go out I learn something new. I'm not used to two-day tests, which is quite demanding physically and mentally, but I know that clocking up the mileage is an important factor and one which I'm adapting to better each time.”

T-Sport Team Manager Russell Eacott was also pleased with the two days' work and remains confident that when the season kicks of at Donington in two weeks time his young driver will be on the pace. “Ryan has proved to be a very good driver with lots of potential and when he hooks it all up together is very quick. He finished up just off far more experienced drivers so we're happy with the overall result. Formula 3 is a big jump for Ryan, the speed is there but mileage is essential, he just needs to let the car do a bit more of the work for him, but he's learning all the time.”

Ryan will join the other series contenders at the official FOTA Press Day at Brands Hatch on Wednesday (24 March) before heading to Donington Park on Thursday for more testing prior to the season start at the Leicestershire track on 3/4 April.

2004 British Formula 3 Championship calendar

April 3/4 Donington Park (National)
April 17/18 Silverstone (International)
May 1/2 Croft
May 15/16 Knockhill
June 5/6 Snetterton
June 19/20 Castle Combe
June 26/27 Donington Park (Grand Prix)
July 17/18 Oulton Park
August 13/14/15 Silverstone (Grand Prix)
August 29/30 Thruxton
September 11/12 Spa Francorchamps
October 1/2/3 Brands Hatch (Grand Prix)

ENDS

Editor's 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.

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22 March 2004

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