“Last year I had a fantastic debut season in British Formula 3 and came very close to winning, finishing as vice-champion,” acknowledged the Cumbrian-born ace. “I was very pleased with that, but it wouldn't have been possible for me to step up to Formula 3 without the help of the Racing Steps Foundation. The same goes for the World Series this season – that wouldn't have been possible without them – so I must thank them for their support.

“Their impact has been huge; without the Racing Steps Foundation I wouldn't have been able to progress beyond the junior formulas. I struggled for so many years in Formula BMW competing on very little budget; it was always very difficult, but we managed to finish as vice-champion despite missing the first six races of the year [in 2006]. That year I obviously got the nomination for the McLaren/Autosport BRDC Young Driver of the Year award, which I went on to win; that was a fantastic season, but even after winning such a prestigious award like that, it was very difficult to raise the budget to move onto Formula 3 the year after and I had to complete a year in the Renault Eurocup instead.

“Without the Racing Steps Foundation's support I don't think last season would have been possible, and to race with such a good team as Carlin Motorsport as well was a fantastic opportunity to be given. I took that opportunity and finished as vice-champion, and now obviously the RSF are progressing my career. Without their support I don't think I'd be where I am today.”

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