2014 MSV F3 Cup champion Toby Sowery is aiming to compete in the Auto GP World Series in 2015 and has lined up a test with the Virtuosi UK outfit for the beginning of January.
The 18-year-old from Cambridgeshire defeated fellow Briton Tristan Cliffe by 48 points in the F3 Cup this season, and is currently leading the MRF championship in the Middle East and Asia, having won twice in the opening event of the series in Qatar.
Sowery wants to come into the Auto GP World Series in 2015, and has sights on an F1 test that comes with winning the title after the series organisers added that incentive to try and counter the dwindling entry levels seen during 2014.
“Everyone told me F3 was ambitious straight after karting and I’m sure people will say the same about Auto GP,” said Sowery. “Drivers climbing the ladder are only getting younger so this move allows me to prepare for GP2 or the World Series.
“The MRF series has given me valuable winter season experience, but now I need to move up and I have my sights set on the F1 test!”
Graeme Glew, the Head of the Kingfisher Motorsport Group who managed Sowery’s career, praised the Briton and believes he would adapt quickly to Auto GP should be race their in 2015.
“Toby has a lot of natural ability as well as all the other aspects required from a modern day driver and the move to Auto GP won’t be difficult for him,” said Glew. “We placed Venezuelan Roberto La Rocca with Virtuosi last year and he adapted well to the car, providing Toby undertakes a solid test programme he will be there.”
Virtuosi UK Team Principal Andy Roche has welcomed Sowery’s test with his team and believes the Briton would be firmly on the pace for the team right from the opening event of the 2015 season in Morocco.
“This is a great opportunity for the team and Toby to prepare for the 2015 Auto GP season,” said Roche. “I am sure that by the time we get to the first race in Marrakesh, Toby will be very much on the pace and show what he is capable of; challenging for race wins and the championship from the start of the year.”