Following a super-impressive performance at Oulton Park, where he qualified third and seventh overall, Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship leader Ryan Lewis heads to Silverstone in confident mood and with the knowledge that a double victory and fastest lap next weekend could give him the title.

It's a long shot, as his main rival Stephen Jelley would have to finish third or lower in both races, but on current form and with 12 wins already under his belt, 20 year-old Lewis from Royston, Hertfordshire definitely has the upper-hand. The reigning Formula Palmer Audi Champion has led the series from the start following a double victory at Donington back in April and he went on to win the next round at Silverstone, although unlike that race, next weekend's double-header event will be on the Grand Prix track.

With eight rounds still remaining, including the Silverstone two, there's still 168 points available and with the margin between the top two at 109 points there's still plenty for Jelley to fight for although Lewis has never been more determined to clinch the series early.

“At the start of the season my goal was very definitely to win races right from the beginning and have a big enough lead to win the title long before the finish. That still applies now, and although the title fight is now very much just between myself and Stephen, the pressure is still on for me to win it and win it soon. The pressure is there of my own doing, I wanted to dominate it and I suppose with 12 wins from 16 rounds so far, that's how it looks like but I don't underestimate Stephen's ability to come back.”

The BES Plc-supported driver has not only dominated the Scholarship class, he's also been mightily impressive in his ability to get among the championship class guys, including his performances at Oulton Park last month. On a drying track he simply out-drove and out-shone many of the more experienced drivers to claim a second-row start for the day's opening race. He added fuel to the fire with a similar performance in second qualifying to take seventh ahead of the championship leader, and although he's the first to admit that it was all down to tactics, is also quick to point out that all drivers were equal and all could have produced the same results.

“At Oulton there was a lot of talk in the paddock about my qualifying performance, particularly in the second session where the conditions were more equal. Yes, I was out on the track in ideal conditions but that's what qualifying is all about, making best use of the conditions, tyres and weather to get the best grid slot. And although it was inevitable that if the race were dry, I'd lose the power advantage held by the newer cars, it was great to start the race that far up the overall grid.”

Next weekend's double-header at the Northamptonshire track could well give young Ryan the chance to shine once more as he bids to take the Scholarship title with six rounds left to run. But he's the first to admit that due to the nature of the rapid British GP track, high overall positions are unlikely.

“Next weekend will be tough that's for sure, I've never raced on the GP circuit and as it's such a fast track, the newer championship class cars will definitely have much more of an advantage over the scholarship cars, and it will be very difficult to keep up with them. But as always I'll just get my head down and try and get the job done.”

The three-day event kicks off with qualifying for race 1 at 10.40 on Friday with the second session at 15.35. There will be no F3 track activity on Saturday and both 15 lap races will be held on Sunday at 10.05 and 15.15.

Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship Points after 16 rounds

1. RYAN LEWIS 290
2. Stephen Jelley 181
3. Barton Mawer 134
4. Vasilije Calasan 117
5. Adam Khan 78
6. Ajit Kumar 70
7. Ronayne O'Mahony 42

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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6 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