FORMULA Renault UK could extend its winning run at the McLaren Autosport Awards this year after two drivers from the championship were short-listed.
Champion Oliver Jarvis (Burwell, Cambs) and third-place James Jakes (Leeds) are both hoping to extend the Formula Renault legacy which has seen Paul Di Resta, Alex Lloyd and Jamie Green win the last three awards following top performances in the championship.
The six short-listed drivers will now take part in a two-day assessment at Snetterton where their driving will be evaluated as well as their ability to adapt to four different cars, deal with pressure and work with the engineers.
For the first time in the award’s history the drivers will be tested in cars close to a Formula One in characteristics – the stunning Formula Renault 3.5 single-seater used in the World Series by Renault.
The McLaren Autosport Award has a reputation for singling out Britain’s most talented drivers - including Jenson Button and David Coulthard – as well as offering fantastic opportunities to the six short-listed. The winner will be awarded a test in a McLaren F1 and a cheque for £50,000. Aside from the cash prize, winning could be worth as much as £250,000 in other sponsorship.
“It’s fantastic news to have been nominated as a finalist,” says Jarvis. “But winning the actual award would be out of this world!”
Jakes is the youngest of the six finalists, which he hopes will stand him in good stead with the judges. “There’s a lot of pressure for drivers to get moving much sooner at the moment,” said the 18-year-old. “Fernando Alonso is only 24 and he’s already won the World Championship, so time is of the essence. Being short-listed will definitely give me some momentum and it’s a real privilege. I want to make the most of it.”
The winner of the McLaren Autosport Award will be announced at the Autosport Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on December 4.
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