Dutch racer Thomas Hylkema has confirmed that he is to rejoin 2009 Drivers Champions Manor Competition for the 2010 Formula Renault 2.0 UK Championship.
Hylkema, who joined the team for the 2009 season after joining the Championship in 2008 had a best result of 6th at Rockingham, but had it not been for bad luck, could have had a better result.
Hylkema, who resides in Delft, The Netherlands, and who is studying Aerospace Engineering, had always planned on staying with the team in 2010 and is delighted that a deal has been secured, as he worked well with the team during the 2009 season and his performances began to improve as the season got towards its latter stages. Thomas commented “Remaining with Manor for the 2010 championship was always our plan, I got on very well with the team last year and learned a huge amount too so we're feeling good about the coming season”
Hylkema achieved a breakthrough podium finish during the 4 round Winter Series, and finished in 4th place overall, just 2 points off a top 3 position is looking to the new season with Manor as a chance to challenge for regular top 3 finishes and a maiden Formula Renault win.
“We had a lot of bad luck in 2009, especially in qualifying, but things came good towards the end of the season. To take my first podium in the Winter Championship was fantastic.” And then went on to add “Obviously the Winter Championship was amazing for me, to be on the podium twice was a fantastic feeling and I think we really showed what we're capable of”
For 2010 all Formula Renault drivers will have a new car to race in, with more power, a seven speed, paddle shift sequential gearbox. This is something that the Dutch star is looking forward to “I plan to be at the front from the start of the new season, I can't wait now for my first test in the brand new 2010 FR 2.0 car!”
The new car is the first new car introduced into the series since 2000, and Thomas will get his first run today, the 3rd February at Oulton Park in Cheshire. Official testing for the Championship starts at Brands Hatch on the 2nd and 3rd March. The season starts at Thruxton, Hampshire on the 3rd and 4th April.
