Following a successful test at Thruxton last week, Hitech Racing heads to the next round of the British Formula 3 International Series at Snetterton in a confident mood.  The reigning champions will travel to Norfolk for a final test on Friday in preparation for the event, rounds nine and ten of the 22-round series.

Both Walter Grubmüller and Max Chilton have impressed in only their second full season in single-seaters, Max taking a podium last time out and Walter fourth in a rain-soaked Monza.  The two teenagers shone in pre-season testing underlining their potential.  Now they head to the next rounds determined to take their first victory for the Buckingham-based team.

The new for 2008 Dallara F308 Mercedes HWA has been extensively tested, the team spending much of the test at the Hampshire track last week testing development parts.  Now, the David Hayle-led outfit that dominated last season, is looking for a return to the top step of the podium.

The 2008 series has proved to be one of the most competitive for years. This is underlined by the fact that no fewer than six different drivers have won races over the first eight opening races.  This ensures that the championship is still wide open a third of the way through the season.

“The series has been extremely close this season,” said Team Principal David Hayle.  “The first four races of 2008 were won by different drivers, and this has enabled everyone to stay in touch with the leaders.

“In testing last week, the first 16 cars were covered by less than a second so every tenth counts. We would expect Snetterton to provide much of the same and we’re confident of being able to find the form that should enable us to be back up at the front.”

The two-day event will be preceded by an official test at the track near Norwich, prior to qualifying for the two races on Saturday.  The team’s next outing will be the official test at Snetterton a week on Friday prior to qualifying on Saturday 7 June and two races on Sunday 8 June.

Championship points after Round 8

1. Sergio Perez 88

2. Atte Mustonen 78

3. Jaime Alguersuari 71

4. Sebastian Hohenthal 58

5. Oliver Turvey 57

6. Marcus Ericsson 54

7. Max Chilton 50

11. Walter Grubmüller 21