Tom Kimber-Smith (Wokingham, Berkshire), 2003 UK Formula Ford Champion, is to make a surprise return to the Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin this season after signing a deal with Team JLR – the outfit which ran him to his Formula Ford title two years ago.
The 20-year old, who contested the 2003 Formula Renault UK Winter Championship with the Batley-based team, has chosen to return to British shores following a difficult season in the 2004 Formula 3 Euroseries.
Kimber-Smith is confident Formula Renault UK will give him the opportunity to show exactly what he’s made of and help lay the demons of his continental F3 experience firmly to rest. He commented: “It’s been quite a hard decision to finally make a choice of what to do this year as I knew I needed to find a championship where I can do well.
“Having looked at all the options around the globe it became clear Formula Renault UK was the best choice and as I already know the guys at JLR from my title-winning season in Formula Ford, it made sense for me to sign with the team.
“Looking at the team last year, it did a great job. There were opportunities to go with other teams but I believe JLR is good enough to win the championship and I’m confident I’m good enough to win the championship too. It’s important for me to have a strong season after the disappointment of last year and I’m looking forward to it.”
After winning the BRSCC T-Car Championship in 2000, Kimber-Smith switched to single-seater racing the following year in Formula Ford. His championship victory in 2003 then propelled the talented youngster into the Formula Renault UK Winter Championship before an attempt at the F3 Euroseries last season.
Race winner Simpson aiming for 2005 title
Team JLR has also confirmed Formula Renault UK race-winner Stephen Simpson (Enfield, Middlesex) will remain one of its drivers after agreeing terms to continue in the championship in 2005.
The 21-year old, who took his maiden Formula Renault UK victories in last November’s Winter Championship, undoubtedly starts the year as one of the true championship favourites, having ended the 2004 season 10th overall in the standings.
Having moved to South Africa as a young child, Simpson established his motorsport career in karting before becoming the South African Formula Ford Champion in 2000 after a highly successful season. On returning to the UK the following year, Simpson continued to race in Formula Ford before switching to Formula Renault UK for the 2001 Winter Championship.
Team JLR expects to announce two further signings shortly ahead of official pre-season testing which is set to begin on 2nd/3rd March at Snetterton Circuit in Norfolk.
For all the latest Formula Renault UK Championship with Michelin news visit the official Renault Sport UK website www.renaultsport.co.uk built by Racecar
