First test in Misano to take place later in week

Pippa Mann has a busy year in store as the only driver competing in both the British Formula Renault 2.0 and Eurocup Championships.  Mann continues to race for Comtec Racing, the team that she signed to in 2005 whilst racing in the Eurocup and French Championship.  Mann will travel to Misano, Italy on Thursday 16th March, where she will embark upon the first Eurocup test session for Comtec.  She is ready for the challenge presented by being the only driver participating in both competitions, and speaks pragmatically about her hopes for the coming season:  "I'm really looking forward to returning to the Formula Renault British Championship, but as the only driver competing both in the UK, and in the Eurocup, it's going to be a really busy season.  My goal for the year is to become the first female driver to win a race in Formula Renault, but I'm under no illusions as to how tough winning in this category is.  It's going to be a competitive year, and due to the Eurocup testing ban I'm going to the first race at a disadvantage to the other British competitors, but I just can't wait for that race to get here, and I can't wait to see how we stack up against the boys!"

Former Formula 1 driver Martin Donnelly has come on board as Pippa’s driver coach and has no doubts about his protégée’s potential:  “It is very seldom these days that I come across the natural driving talents of a person as determined and single minded as Pippa Mann.  She has the self will and determination, along with the natural driving ability needed in this male dominated sport, to make it to the top and maybe to Formula One itself.”