Ryan Lewis set the early pace in testing for the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship at Croft today posting a time of 1:14.459, some half a second clear of his nearest rival. The 20 year-old from Royston, Hertfordshire currently leads the series by 23 points and heads into tomorrow's fourth and fifth rounds buoyed by the successful test at the North Yorkshire track.

“I'm really happy with how things went,” sad Ryan. “Early on the circuit was a bit damp in places and it took a while to get the grip back, but I kept it on the black stuff, got my head down and went for it.”

Tomorrow's two qualifying sessions take place at 11.00 and 14.50 for the two 18-lap races held on Sunday at 12.12 and 15.30.

Testing times from Croft

1. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:14.459
2. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:15.041
3. Barton Mawer Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:15.312
4. Vasilije Casalan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:15.701
5. Adam Langley-Khan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:16.890
6. Ajit Kumar Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:18.934

Avon Tyres British Scholarship Points after 3 rounds

1. RYAN LEWIS 62
2. Stephen Jelley 39
3. Barton Mawer 27
4. Adam Langley-Khan 22
5. Ajit Kumar 18
6. Vasilije Casalan 18

Ref: ml00078
30 April 2004

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

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