British hopes for Meadows with IFM

Currently racing in the Lloyds TSB British Formula 3 International Series, the 20-year-old from Banbury, UK, is able to race IFM’s Formula S2000 in front of his home crowd thanks to a non-clashing calendar and joins team-mates Italy’s Alberto Costa and Frenchman Pierre Ragues to complete the Euronova Racing Brands Hatch line-up.

"I’m looking forward to a good performance at Brands Hatch and hopefully a podium," said Meadows who started his single-seater career by winning a scholarship with BMW in 2005. "It’ll be nice to put on a good show for the British crowds and give them something to cheer for!

"I tested the Formula S2000 in Lausitzring a few weeks ago but my knowledge of the car is still limited compared to the other drivers. I know Brands Hatch really well though so I think things will even out thanks to my track knowledge."

Michael’s dad Ron, has been instrumental in securing the IFM drive for his son and believes the Series to be a serious step for any driver.

"I’ve been watching IFM with interest since the very beginning and have kept a close eye on its progress ever since," said Ron who holds over 20 years experience in motorsport including 10 years in Formula 1.

"It really looks like it’s going places. When you compare the Series to Formula 3, F3 has no TV coverage and it’s expensive whereas IFM has a much stronger package. And the cars are as fast as F3 single-seaters!"

Today’s official IFM test in Monza, Italy, saw Team Bicar Racing taking part with Italian driver Marco Mapelli as well as IFM’s first two Japanese drivers Hajime Sugino and Yuhi Sekiguchi, both testing for Euronova Racing.

Iris Project’s Roberto Merhi completed today’s line-up of guest drivers. The 16-year-old Spaniard is leading the Italian Formula Renault 2.0 driver classification as well as competing in the Formula Renault Eurocup.

Marco Mapelli is currently fourth in the Kumho Tyres Australian Formula 3 Championship whilst Hajime Sugino races in the Asian Formula Renault Challenge and Yuhi Sekiguchi in Formula 3 Japan.

"The car was really nice to drive," said Sekiguchi. "Although it was my first time at Monza which meant I had to spend some time learning the track, I really enjoyed myself today and was able to drive competitively very quickly."

Team-mate Hajime Sugino added: "I have less racing experience than Yuhi so this was a very good learning experience for me. I really like the car and have followed the Series closely so it was very good to take part today."

IFM rounds 13 and 14 will take place at Brands Hatch, United Kingdom on 22 and 23 September 2007.

For more information please visit www.formulamaster.net

- RSM · -