Formula Renault UK Championship hotshoe Jeremy Metcalfe got his 2006 campaign off to a flying start yesterday at a bitterly cold Donington Park.Having been away from his Team AKA-run single-seater since breaking the lap record at Albacete in Spain during winter testing in mid-December, the Fleet 17-year-old took no time at all in getting back to pace-setting ways by posting the fastest time of the day at the Leicestershire circuit.Maintaining an essential level of continuity by extending his partnership with Coalville-based AKA this year, Jeremy heads into the new season growing in confidence all the time and is aiming to add to the maiden Formula Renault UK race victory he achieved during last year’s Winter Championship.Yesterday’s test saw Jeremy in impressive form and the Hampshire ace certainly enjoyed the best of the running during the morning, although the afternoon session was unfortunately blighted by a number of stoppages caused by fellow racers.“It went really well”, said a delighted Jeremy after his first mileage of 2006, “There were a lot of red flags in the afternoon but the morning was fantastic, we were quickest by quite a margin but the best thing about that was the fact we were very consistent too.“The car felt really good, I’m so happy to be racing with AKA this season. Since the win at Croft last November it seems to have really boosted my confidence and faith in what I’m able to achieve at the sharp end. Confidence is building every time I go out in the car and today was certainly a very productive test for us.”He added: “It was good to be back in the car after a couple of months away but I’m most pleased with the way we were fast and consistent straight away. That brings success at this level of racing and I’m confident it’s something we’ll continue throughout the year.”Team AKA make the long trip north of the border to Knockhill in Scotland next week for a two-day test before visiting Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent seven days later.
The team then returns to Donington Park before moving on to Oulton Park in Cheshire ahead of the first official championship test of the year at Silverstone on 1st/2nd
