Unheralded Canadian Maryeve Dufault set tongues wagging in more ways than one as she became the latest candidate to sample Litespeed F3's unique SLC R1 chassis ahead of a possible switch to the British F3 Championship next season.

The attractive Star Mazda and FBMW graduate joined the team at Snetterton to get a taste of F3 before the testing window closed for the winter, bringing a genetic streak that has seen her father and elder brother enjoy motorsport success at national level, and impressed Litespeed technical director Steve Kenchington with both her initial pace and feedback despite being unfamiliar with either car or circuit.

"We were delighted with Maryeve's test results," Kenchington said, "She had never driven in the wet before, but applied a professional and methodical approach in making the step into a British F3 car, focusing on learning the track and the challenge of driving in the unfamiliar conditions."

Such was the impact of Dufault's debut that the team is keen to run her again with a view to a possible entry in next season's championship. Litespeed is hoping to ramp up its involvement after a toe in the water exercise in 2008, and is looking to the experience of former national and international class champion Robbie Kerr to help develop the SLC R1 in the intervening months.

"Litespeed and Maryeve have a long future ahead, not least because she demonstrated great technical competence and understanding," Kenchington added, "With more seat time, she will have the opportunity to fulfil her potential and we are thrilled that that will be with Litespeed."