FFord: Fiesta champ to make Formula Ford switch

2009 Ford Fiesta ST champion David Ellesley will make a surprise switch to single-seater racing in the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain this season.

The 23-year-old, who began his racing career as a teenager in autocross before switching to Fiesta racing in 2008, will spearhead the return of Spirit to the category driving a works chassis.

"This will certainly be a first for me and it's all very exciting," said Ellesley, who has no previous single-seater racing experience. “I have a lot to learn about Formula Ford but I've joined a team with huge experience and that will benefit me greatly. Formula Ford is where I want to be, and this is a cost-effective option for me. Hopefully I can bring something to the team to help them with their plans for a new car."

Ellesley will race a 2007 Spirit chassis run by Spirit Engineering and the marque’s founder Steve Wills.

"We are building a new chassis for next year," said Steve, "and we need to do some serious development work, which is how the deal with David came about. We need to get back out there, have a good time and give it a good go. The car has the potential but has never really had much of a chance to show it."

Wills is hoping to have a 2011-spec Spirit chassis running before the end of the season and has lined up youngster Richard Huddart, who did several Formula Ford races in a Ray chassis last season, to drive.

Watch the MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) in 2010.


Andy Wilkinson