“The plan now is for three rounds where I score points in each round, and hopefully finish the year as the top '07 driver. Gary's got a three-point lead on me at the moment, but I'm going to keep pushing hard and hopefully I can close that gap.”

Looking further ahead still, Jarvis recently admitted that he had not fully given up on his Formula 1 dream [see separate story – click here], but he insisted that in the absence of anyone from the top flight coming knocking, he is more than content to pursue his burgeoning tin-top career for now.

“At the moment I'm very happy where I am,” he underlined. “I certainly haven't got the budget to go into GP2, but I'm in a very fortunate position – I'm with a great manufacturer in a great series.

“I'm enjoying myself, and I'd like to see a long-term future with Audi. If the opportunity arises to drive a Formula 1 car, of course I'm going to jump at the chance, but at the same time I'm very happy with what I'm doing.”

by Russell Atkins