Nineteen year-old Ryan Lewis has declared that he is ready to take on the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Championship Scholarship, which kicks off at Donington Park next weekend (4 April). The Formula Palmer Audi Champion has undergone an intensive testing programme in his BES Plc T-Sport Dallara Mugen-Honda and has quickly settled into the car posting some respectable times at each track.

The teenager from Royston, Hertfordshire knows it will be a tough year, his toughest yet, but remains focussed and determined for victory at the opening rounds at the Leicestershire track. “I want to be out on top straight away, I'm not sure who else is going to be entered into the championship but obviously I want to go out there and dominate straight from the start so I want to be on pole for both the races and win them both. Donington is one of my favourite tracks and testing went well there so I'm really fired up for it.”

Ryan's main opposition in the Scholarship class this year is likely to come from the experienced Stephen Jelley and last year's Australian Formula 3 runner-up, Barton Mawer, but Ryan is determined to not only beat them but to be a regular front runner in the Championship class too.

“What all the guys have said is that it's just a matter of getting into the whole programme because previously I haven't really had this situation of getting in the car and actually having to work with an engineer, previously in FPA you just get in the car and drive it. They've said my feedback is fine but rather than if there's a problem with the car just trying to drive round it, I need to come in, talk to the engineers, sort the problem out and then go out again. That's just something I've got to learn. And I'm hopeful of getting some good results, not only in the Scholarship class but overall.”

T-Sport Team Manager Russell Eacott is equally pleased with the progress made by Ryan and remains confident that when the season kicks of at Donington in two weeks time his young driver will be the pace-setter. “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 at the last test 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.”

MSV Managing Director and FPA series organiser Dr. Jonathan Palmer was quick to praise Ryan's decision to move into F3 following his FPA title victory last year which saw him take three wins and six second places, “Ryan was instantly quick when he came into Formula Palmer Audi. He's also very disciplined. I think he really has the potential to go all the way. He's confident but in a nice way and I think Formula 3 is a great step for him.”

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

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: ml00065
26 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: cathy.metcalfe@btinternet.com

www.ryanlewisracing.co.uk