The burgeoning Litespeed F3 outfit have set their 2009 plans in early motion after revealing a breakthrough in performance during post-season testing that they claim has seen them close to Carlin Motorsport pace.

Litespeed made their debut this season using the sole R1 chassis, a development of a machine last raced several years ago in the Formula 3 Euroseries.

Although pace has been found wanting on a competitive grid of Dallaras and Mygales, Litespeed made fair progress over the season and are now embarking on an intensive winter testing programme having secured the technical expertise of former British F3 Champion Robbie Kerr.

His input has already seen an immediate improvement, with the team insisting their lap times during testing at Snetterton recently were close to that of Carlin, who annexed the top three in this year's standings.

Team manager Steve Kenchington is in no doubt that having the A1GP race winner on board has been a tremendous boost.

“We have always maintained that we mean business, so we sought the best of the best to support our continuing development programme. Robbie's technical feedback was unprecedented and his lap times re-confirmed our belief in the car's potential.'

'It has always been our intention to challenge the stronghold that Dallara has on British F3. To be close 'on the pace' with Carlin's Dallaras, which were also testing at Snetterton, has shown us that we are heading in the right direction.

“Of course there is work to be done before next season, but with every test our knowledge base of the car's operation is increasing and with a full winter's testing programme and wind tunnel work to be completed, the 2009 Series is looking extremely interesting.”