2009 has turned out to be a really busy year for me. As most of you probably know, I've just turned 19 and I'm doing the British Rally Championship for the first time this year. I've not gone out there thinking I'm going to win the championship or anything; this is very much a learning year for me, and I've learned a lot from everyone along the way so far.

With my dad being a rally driver too, I've been in the lucky position of gaining advice (and the odd run in a World Rally Car) from him, I've had training days with both Guy Wilks and Mark Higgins, and Ramsport who run my car are always at hand to help. Between them and various co-drivers and friends I've really built up my knowledge of the sport and, even though I'm not looking at championship positions, I find myself lying fourth overall.

Last weekend I had a day testing with Prodrive, and this weekend I'm doing course car on the Merrick Forest Stages. With the last two BRC rounds having been on asphalt, it will be good to get back onto gravel this weekend before the final round of the BRC on gravel in Yorkshire. I had good runs on the Isle of Man and Ulster so I'm feeling good about going to Yorkshire, despite the change of surface. In Ulster we ran as high as third in the BRC points, which was a real boost.

I did Rally Yorkshire last year and finished fourth overall. Having done that without the BRC experience I have under my belt now, I'm really hoping for a good run in Yorkshire this year.

I've just had some great news, too – my entry on Rally Spain has been accepted. It had always been my plan to do Rally of Great Britain again this year, and to contest the inaugural Rally of Scotland which will be fantastic, having a world-class rally in my home country. It's made especially interesting by the fact that Kris Meeke is leading the points; it will be great to see a British guy fighting for the title in Scotland.

Now the entry on Rally Spain means I'll be able to contest both an asphalt and gravel round of the WRC this year to broaden my experience in the championship. Although I'm still only 19, I appreciate that I have to move into the world championship as soon as possible if I want to make a career of the sport.

I'll be switching from my Subaru Impreza N14 that I use in the BRC, to an Autotek N15 for Rally Spain. The deal was all put together by Ramsport, and I really appreciate all the work they have put in to give me this opportunity.

So over the next few weeks I've got the Merrick, then another test session with Mark Higgins, Trackrod Rally Yorkshire and Spain – and my day job to fit in to pay the bills too! It's all go, and wouldn't have it any other way.

Junior