Formula Renault UK graduation

 Formula Renault BARC champion Ollie Hancock will step up to the main Formula Renault UK series in 2009 with Apotex Scorpio Motorsport.

The championship has proved to be a fertile breeding ground for future Formula One talent including World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Raikkonen who are both former winners of the category.

Hancock stormed to the 2008 BARC title taking five wins and four other podiums, wrapping up the championship with two races to spare. After assessing several options over the winter, the 20-year-old will now have a crack at the prestigious UK title as he continues his rise up the single-seater ladder.

The Hampshire-based Hancock, who has already shown strong pace in testing, was delighted to confirm his 2009 plans and happy to be staying with Apotex Scorpio Motorsport who helped to mastermind his 2008 title success.

“I will be fighting to win races and hopefully the championship even though it is my first year in Formula Renault UK,” said Hancock. “I feel I have enough experience after winning the BARC championship last year and would like to carry on with the success we have had in the last 12 months. Being such a hard and prestigious championship, this is going to make me work even harder and be more prepared both physically and mentally before the first race weekend.

“I know what Apotex Scorpio Motorsport are capable of having raced with them last year and they have a good track record in Formula Renault UK so I can’t wait for the new season to begin at Brands Hatch on 4/5 April.

“I’d also like to thank all my sponsors and partners for making this graduation possible as without them it simply wouldn’t have been.”

The Formula Renault UK championship supports Britain’s most popular racing series the British Touring Car Championship and regular plays to crowds of over 80,000 spectators and enjoys nationwide TV coverage on the ITV network, with figures reaching almost 5 million last season.