James Thorp has become the latest British driver to announce he will join the Formula MRF series when it supports the inaugural Indian Grand Prix in October. Thorp will join fellow Protyre Formula Renault BARC regular Zaamin Jaffer and Formula Renault UK racer Jordan King when the series heads to the Buddh International Circuit.
Thorp has enjoyed a strong season in the Renault BARC series so far in 2011, currently lying third in the championship standings heading into the final rounds at Silverstone, the Mtech Lite driver taking two wins and three second place finishes so far this year.
The MRF series sees the drivers compete in identical Van Diemen designed, Ford Duratec powered single seaters, with over $100,000 prize money on offer over the Grand Prix weekend. Thorp will be hoping to impress in by far the biggest races of career to date, with the 19 year old heading out to India next week for a shakedown test in preparation for the races.
Thorp commented: “Firstly I want to express my enthusiasm and appreciation to be taking part in this race of such magnitude. The opportunity that this race poses may prove to be extremely beneficial to me and my career, so this influenced my decision in taking part.
“Racing on the same stage, at the same time as Formula 1 also helps the amount of exposure I will get so I am hoping to put in a good performance and prove myself on what will be the biggest platform in motorsport.
“As always I am going out to the race with the mindset of winning and believe I can do so, I am expecting some good, close wheel to wheel racing and I'm looking forward to going out to Chennai next Monday”
