Merseyside racer James Cole joins British F3 grid

Formula Ford champion to make F3 debut at home circuit

03/03/2010 - Reigning Formula Ford champion James Cole from Merseyside will make his 'slicks and wings' debut at his home circuit this Easter weekend (3/5 April), when Oulton Park hosts the opening round of the 2010 Cooper Tires British F3 Series.

Cole, who hails from Southport, graduates to F3's National Class competition following a dominant season in Formula Ford, where he secured five pole positions, seven wins and 15 podium finishes on his way to clinching the overall title.

The 21-year-old will race for T-Sport in a Mugen Honda-powered Dallara, alongside the team's International Class signing Alex Brundle - son of former F1 driver and BBC commentator Martin.

"I'm itching to get back in a race car and I'm delighted we've concluded a deal with T-Sport, as I have tremendous respect for the team and believe we will be a winning partnership," said Cole. "I've done my foundation work in Formula Ford and it's now time to move up a gear with a faster, more powerful car."

Cole's Formula Ford success has already led to him receiving a nomination for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC Award for young driver talent, an accolade that James is still eligible for this season.

"It's not just winning that counts, it's being recognised by the industry as a talented driver," Cole added. "Being able to have another crack at winning the young driver award is important to me and could be very influential for my future career."

To fully concentrate on his debut F3 campaign this season, Cole has recently taken a sabbatical from his studies at the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, but still plans to use music in order to keep calm during the season: "Don't be surprised if you hear guitar riffs drifting out from the car transporter during the season, it will just be me trying to relax in the down time between races!" he concluded.

The British F3 Series kicks off at Oulton Park on 3/5 April in a joint headline meeting with the Avon Tyres British GT Championship. Tickets are on sale from £17 for adults, with free entry for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or click on the link below.

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