Formula Renault Eurocup frontrunner Carlo van Dam has taken the first steps towards an F3 graduation next season, having tested with crack outfits Prema Powerteam and van Amersfoort Racing in recent weeks.

The Dutchman enjoyed a successful outings with the Italian operation at Magione, before joining its Dutch rival at Oschersleben, but insists that he will concentrate on his FRenault ambitions before running again. The S-T-A-R-T driver won the Eurocup race at Le Mans last week, and could clinch the title in Barcelona next weekend, having closed the gap to the series leader to just four points in recent weeks.

"I will concentrate on the upcoming races in the French FRenault championship and hope to finish the season successfully at the end of October with the title in the Eurocup," he confirmed.

Formula Three is definitely where van Dam's ambitions lie, however, and made the most of an invitation from former Euroseries champions Prema to test at Magione. Working with a French engineer, he completed 150 laps and, after fitting fresh rubber, was able to get down to a lap of 1min 06.7secs, outperforming his Italian 'team-mate' Edoardo Mortara. A further set-up tweak later in the day then provided a 1min 05.7secs return, elevating the Dutchman to the top of the weekend's timesheet.

Last Thursday, van Dam linked up with the van Amersfoort team, renewing old links having begun his career there in 2004. Running alongside van Amersfoort's Recaro Cup regular Dominick Muermans, the Dutchman again produced the fastest lap of the day, with 1min 20.8secs effort on the 3.667km circuit. The following day proved even faster, with van Dam managing to shave more than a second off his best time, with a 1min 19.5secs lap in the Opel-powered 2004 car.

"Together with the board of S-T-A-R-T, I went out as early as possible to get some orientation on my next motorsport season," he said afterwards, "We had a number of nice offers and I have met with two F3 teams in the last weeks.

"The step-over from FRenault to F3 was easy for me. An F3 car has much more downforce and I like the improved ability to turn as a result of that. Both my tests went very smoothly and I have been able to work well with the teams and engineers of both race teams. I have been able to look at some differences of the Mercedes-Benz and Opel-Spiess engines and the Kumho and Hankook tyres. I'd like to thank Prema Powerteam and van Amersfoort racing for giving me these chances to get to know F3. I have learned much."