James Theodore put Hillspeed on top of the Protyre Formula Renault BARC timesheets at Snetterton on Tuesday, 23rd March, during the latest official test session of the 2010 pre-season.

With just over three weeks remaining until the start of the championship, 18-year-old Theodore produced another consistently strong performance at the 1.95-mile Norfolk track to end the outing with a best lap of 1m05.992 seconds (106.48mph).

Confirming his, and the team’s, position as a realistic contender for podiums and race victories, the Liberty Properties Plc-backed driver concluded this week’s test half a second clear of his nearest rival and as the only BARC competitor to dip below the 1m06 seconds mark.

Posting a best time of 1m07.699 seconds (103.79mph) during session one, Theodore improved markedly during the afternoon in challenging, gusty conditions to back-up a similarly strong showing during the previous officially timed test at Brands Hatch at the beginning of the month.

“Once again James delivered with an excellent showing this week, his times were well clear of his nearest rival”, said Hillspeed team principal Richard Ollerenshaw, “It was certainly a challenging test for all of the drivers as it was very gusty, with constant wind direction changes. James coped very well though and was in terrific form, we’re delighted with his pace and overall performance.”

An exclusive day of officially timed Formula Renault BARC testing will conclude the pre-season a fortnight from now on Thursday, 8th April, at Silverstone National Circuit. The championship itself will then get underway on 17th/18th April at Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent.