ADD Motorsports driver Mitchell Gilbert is excited about being competitive again - as he gears up for the new season in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.

The 19-year-old believes the second year in the Championship will see the best of him, especially as it sees a return to Fortec Motorsports, with which he raced in Formula Renault UK in 2011.

The Twickenham racer has vowed to put the disappointments of last season behind him when he found it difficult to get any momentum going.

And after three months of gym work, he can’t wait to get back behind the wheel and remind everyone what he is capable of on the track.

He said: “I’m looking forward to being competitive again.

“I learnt a lot more about myself than my driving last year. Sometimes racing is a different world and you have to soldier through the difficult times or you can take it to heart.

“We did some driving with Fortec at the end of the year and it put my faith back into driving again.

“Most people have a year they wished hadn’t happened, but you learn the most in that period. Now it’s about going forwards and upwards.

“Last year isn’t really a reflection of what I can do, so now we think I can surprise a few people during the season.

“I’ve just been training and getting fit over the last few months but I haven’t been in a car since December – a lot of drivers will have been the same. So, I’m really excited about getting back in one.”

After spending his rookie Euro F3 season with Mucke Motorsport, the Australian is also raring to get to work with new team Fortec.

He said: “I’m really looking forward to working with a British team again. They know me after my time there three years ago and there’s more of a belief that I can do it this time.

“Also, with just myself and John Bryant-Meisner in the team, they will be a lot more focused on us doing well.”

As things stand, Gilbert is likely to leave the Championship before the final race to head out to Asia as he keeps his options open for the future – although nothing has been finalised yet.

He explained: “Formula One is still the dream. But it will be good to go to Asia and get some experience over there and cover our bases.

“We want to have a really good season in F3 and then a good stint over there, as if you’re looking at the world economy, there is a lot of money over there and if you’re serious about having a long term career, you need to have options.

“We know a few people out there who have done really well, so it’s definitely something to consider.”

But for now the focus is on Fortec and showing what he is capable of in F3, with the first race of the season at Silverstone on the 18th and 19th of April.

He added: “This isn’t a new start, but I’m looking at it as a turning point.

“I can’t wait to show what I can do again.”