Martin Plowman, from Tamworth in Staffordshire, today announced his exciting plans for the 2008 motorsport season at the world’s biggest motorsport show, Autosport International, on Friday 11 January, at the NEC, Birmingham. The 20-year-old will be promoted to the ranks of the Formula 3 Euro Series with RC Motorsport, powered by Volkswagen.

Plowman was welcomed to the team by Volkswagen Motorsport Director Kris Nissen. "Whoever wants to be successful in Formula 3 must bring a strong package to the grid: Team, driver, chassis and engine must be first class and fit perfectly together. Martin Plowman is a genuine boost for our squad in the 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series.” Preparations and Volkswagen Motorsport are in full swing. "The evolution version of our two-litre engine has shown great promise on the dyno. We’ll start our circuit test programme shortly.” The 210 hp Formula 3 power plant made a promising debut in 2007.”

Speaking exclusively from the Karting Show Stage at Autosport International, Plowman commented: “This year could not have started on a better note. It is a privilege to have this opportunity with Volkswagen, which presents an exciting new challenge in helping the marque forge its return in its first full Euro F3 season. I will be joining a highly professional team with a proven track record and a friendly but competitive ethos.

“The first official test, just before Christmas, proved positive with some encouraging signs. However, 2008 will be a developmental year for me, the team and the programme, where important foundations will be laid for future success. The entire team is extremely motivated and enthusiastic for the new programme and I can see myself gelling well with this group of like-minded individuals. I’ll be flying out to Florence on Sunday to begin my vigorous fitness training and I’m enjoying every moment of the pre-season preparations.”

Following two years competing in European Formula Renault and Formula Renault Italia, clinching Best Rookie in 2006, Plowman is well used to racing overseas. The 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series calendar takes in a mammoth 20 rounds across ten double-header meetings, taking in GermanyFrance, the NetherlandsItaly and Spain. Plowman will also relish the opportunity to race on home soil for the first time at Brands Hatch circuit in Kent.

Based near Milan, RC Motorsport’s previous drivers include Alex Zanardi, Giancarlo Fisichella and Enrique Bernoldi, to name a few. A vastly experienced single seater and sports car team, RC Motorsport boasts four Formula 3 Italia titles, the Monaco F3 GP spoils and a plethora of Formula Renault titles in Europe.

The 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series features 20 races, 18 of which will be held within the scope of the DTM package, which attracts an average of 80,000 spectators per event, while one double-header event will support the WTCC programme.

The 2008 Formula 3 Euro Series Calendar – Provisional