Lewis Williamson
Lewis Williamson's 2012 campaign kicks off this weekend in Aragon and the 22 year old is optimistic ahead of the new Formula Renault 3.5 season.
The 22-year-old from Golspie, a member of the Red Bull Young Driver Development Programme, will drive for the Arden Caterham team in the opening double-header in Spain.
He will be paired alongside last season's rookie of the year Alexander Rossi in what will be his first full season in the category; Williamson deputised for fellow Red Bull young driver Daniel Ricciardo twice last season for ISR.
And the talented young Scot is undoubtedly is looking forward to the new challenge.
“This is as big a challenge as I’ve ever set myself,” said Williamson.
“It’s definitely another big learning curve for me, but those are the challenges I keep giving myself, and it all helps to develop me as a driver.”
Williamson rose to prominence winning the prestigious Mclaren Autosport BRDC Award in 2010, earning an F1 test with the team.
Last season in GP3, Williamson finished eighth in the championship with MW Arden with three podium finishes including a sprint race victory at Silverstone.
What's more, the Scot is one of only 18 young drivers chosen for the FIA Institute Young Driver Excellence Academy.
Nevertheless, Williamson remains coy ahead of the upcoming season but is confident of a positive opening to the season this weekend.
He said: “Arden Caterham is a new team so we’re running fast to catch up with the established teams, but we’ve shown through pre-season testing that we have the pace.
“Sure we’ve had a few glitches, but that’s exactly what testing is all about: identifying the problems, and solving them.
“We’ve done that, and we head to the opening round at Aragon in Spain quietly confident.
“Of course I’ve set myself objectives, but they are private targets.
“I know what I’m capable of, and we’re all working as part of the team to deliver the best we can.
“Hopefully we can get the season off to a great start this weekend in Spain.”
