James Manderson

[Francesca]

PRESS RELEASE 20 FEBRUARY 2003

AUSSIE CHAMP JOINS EUROPEAN FORMULA 3 TEAM

2002 Australian Formula 3 Champion, James Manderson has joined the Swiss Racing Team in as official testing begins today for the Formula 3 Euro Series.

He could be the second Australian, along with Toyota Formula 1 test driver Ryan Briscoe, to compete in the prestigious European championship this year.

"I’m running the first two official practice tests at Adria and Misano in Italy, ", said James. "Basically I’ll be jumping off the plane in Zurich and driving down to the track to run the next day. I’ll be flying back to Melbourne to be here for the Grand Prix and then return for more tests in France and Germany. The first race is at Hockenheim on 27th April."

James is receiving financial support from the CAMS Foundation and a private investor. "We still don’t have the money for a full year, but at least I’m in at the start, and we will continue to look for investors and sponsors."

James is driving a 2003 update Speiss powered Dallara as part of the Swiss Racing 3-car team. His mechanics have been seconded from the Sauber Formula 1 Team who have close relations with the Swiss Racing Team. James impressed the team on his tests late last year at Hockenheim and Zandvoort, and they are keen to have him on board for 2003 season.

James trademark is his methodical approach and consistency. It earned him last year’s championship where he steadily improved and scored several decisive wins, especially towards the end of the season at Wakefield, Sandown and Phillip Island. James is planning to maintain this strategy in his European assault.

"The objective of the testing in Italy is to get the car fully sorted and to build my hours in the car. I will want to be on the pace by the end of April when the racing starts" said James. "I know my team and the car will be top notch, so it’s going to be up to me to show that Aussie drivers can match the best from around the world."

[flor]

it's not really speiss powered

[av8rirl]

Is this the same James Manderson that raced Formula Vee in AUS 2-3 years ago?

[gomick]

would say so - spent last 2 years in aus f3

[gomick]

forgot to mention - thats great news for james, hopefully the money thing comes through..... same old story for aussie drivers - lack of sponsorship $$$$

[racer69]

Great news, drove very well in Australian F3 last year, lets hope he continues that form into this year.

Good to see CAMS doing something right for once

[Vandas]

av8rirl,

Yes it is the same James Manderson that used to race Formula Vees in Australia about 3 years ago.

James, is a fantastic driver, with a very level head on his shoulders.

One little fact not known by many is that James won the 2002 Australian Formula 3 Championship, with absolutely no mid-season testing miles under his belt.

James and his management struggled to find funding all season to ensure that they could make all race meetings. James basically rolled up to each race meeting and used the practice sessions as his testing time.

This really makes his achievement all the greater.

Good luck James, I hope it all works out for you.

Thanks

Cam

[DNQ]

Good to hear Manderson is fantastic, nice to see Aussie's getting the chances overseas.