Brit F3: National Class champion to step up

Reigning British F3 National Class champion Daniel McKenzie will step up to challenge for the main series title this year.

The 21-year-old will stay with the Fortec Motorsport team that helped him to his 2009 crown, but will drive a current-spec Mercedes-powered Dallara chassis.

After winning 11 of the 20 National Class races last season, the Dorset-based driver believes more consistency will be the key to his 2010 campaign.

"You don't have to win every race, nor even finish on the podium in every race, to win the title,” he said. ”But if you can finish nearly every race and score points, like I did last year, then the chances are that you will have a fantastic result in the championship.

“The team has been working extremely hard over the winter, as has Mercedes, and I have never been so excited and pumped-up at the beginning of a season. I cannot wait to get out in the car."

McKenzie also admitted he hopes to form a strong partnership with team-mate Oli Webb, whose graduation from Formula Renault UK was confirmed before Christmas.

"I know Oli well and he's a good friend, and he will be quick, which is fantastic for me. I want a fast team-mate because that will push me forward and help progress the team."

Fortec's senior race engineer, Mick Kouros, also believes the McKenzie/Webb pairing will be good for the team.

"After winning the National title last year against tough opposition from Gabriel Dias, Daniel will form a solid team with Oliver Webb,” he said. “We have a lot of confidence in Daniel's ability and we look forward to another successful season with him."

Watch hour-long British F3 International Series highlights on Motors TV (Sky Channel 413, Virgin Media 545) in 2010.


Andy Wilkinson