Ryan Lewis narrowly missed out on double pole position at Silverstone today, his time of 1min 16.949secs less than 14/100ths of a second off pole time for the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Scholarship. Following his double pole, victory and fastest lap in the opening rounds two weeks ago, 19 year-old Ryan headed into this morning's 30 minute session taking the P1 slot an impressive seven tenths quicker than the opposition.

For the second session this afternoon though, the reigning Formula Palmer Audi Champion from Royston had to be content with second place, after struggling with understeer through the fast right hander at Copse Corner. “The car was really struggling with understeer through Copse when the wind picked up for the afternoon session,” said Ryan. “Although the overall times were slightly quicker, the wind made a big difference to how the car handled. I'm reasonably happy with second quickest, but would have liked to have made it four poles from four races.”

The youngster, driving a BES Plc T-Sport Dallara Mugen-Honda, remains confident for tomorrow's two 18-lap races around the Silverstone International track. “I've got to grips with the track now and feel much more confident so come the races tomorrow I'll be planning another double victory to extend my series lead.”

The first of tomorrow's two 18- lap races at the Northamptonshire track kicks off at 11.20 with the second race at 14.45.

Qualifying for Race 2

1. Stephen Jelley Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:16.935
2. RYAN LEWIS BES Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:16.949
3. Barton Mawer Dallara F301 Opel Spiess 1:17.225
4. Adam Langley-Khan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:17.520
5. Lars Sexton Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:17.908
6. Vasilije Calasan Dallara F301 Mugen-Honda 1:18.491

Avon Tyres British Scholarship Points after 2 rounds

1. RYAN LEWIS 42
2. Stephen Jelley 23
3. Ajit Kumar 18
4. Barton Mawer 15
5. Adam Langley-Khan 12
6. Vasilije Casalan 10

Ref: ml00072
17 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