Keohane confident ahead of F3 opener
Monday, 26 March 2001 15:3520-year-old International racing driver Michael Keohane, from Clonakilty, Co. Cork, is in confident mood ahead of making his F3 debut at Silverstone this weekend following a run of fastest times in pre-season testing for the prestigious 26 race series.
Driving for Irish team Meritus Racing, the newcomer has been one of the stars of the Scholarship class in testing. Adapting quickly to his Toyota powered Dallara F398, Keohane has made a strong first impression on the series posting fastest times in official testing at Donington, Snetterton and Oulton Park.
Part of the high profile British PowerTour Series, this weekend's Silverstone race is the venue for the opening two rounds of the Green Flag British F3 Championship. Two separate 30 minute qualifying sessions on Saturday will determine Keohane's grid position for each of Sunday's two 20-minute races.
Commenting ahead of this weekend's championship opener, the former British F/Renault and F/Opel Euroseries is in optimistic form. "It is great to have the first race in sight. Testing has gone well and I am confident I can kick off my F3 career with a top result. I think both the team and myself have surprised a few people and hopefully we can surprise a few more over the weekend."
Speaking about his new found pace Keohane said, "The team have been great, they have provided me with a great car and really encouraged me which has helped my confidence a lot. Roberto (Costa, team manager) and Sean (Thompson, technical director) are great guys to work with and have helped me a lot to get the best from the car and my driving."
Filed by Sinéad Kissane
