Scot takes another step towards F1posted in MSPOR05 | 05 | 2011
HIGHLANDER LEWIS WILLIAMSON will take another major step towards joining fellow Scot Paul di Resta on the Formula One grid when he contests his first GP3 race in Turkey this weekend.
The 25-year-old from Golspie, who is moving ever-closer to being signed up for the Red Bull Young Driver Development Programme, will race on the same Istanbul Park circuit which will host the F1 Turkish Grand Prix on Sunday.
"This is a major step in the development of my career," Williamson, the current McLaren Young Driver of the Year, admitted today. "GP3 is a significant stepping stone to F1 and racing as part of the grand prix support package is fantastic exposure.
"But it's no use being here if I'm not able to deliver. I've worked hard to get where I am at the moment, but I definitely want my career to progress even further.
"There's no doubt being surrounded by everything which is part of Formula One has given me an even bigger kick. It's a fantastic environment to be part of and it's where I ultimately want to end up racing."
Williamson, who will take delivery of his Red Bull racing helmet tomorrow in time for the opening free practice session, will lead the GP3 assault by MW Arden, the team owned by Red Bull F1 team principal Christian Horner, and Aussie racer Mark Webber.
Williamson, who is backed by Highland Arena — a small group of private companies — has impressed in pre-season testing with the team and he's already been given an insight into the Istanbul Park circuit by grand prix winner Webber.
"Yeh, Mark spent some time with me today explaining some of the important parts of the track," the Scot explained. "He's given me a few wee hints here and there about what lines to take and, just as importantly, what lines not to take.
"The circuit looks sensational, but though I've walked the track I won't really now how it drives until I fire up the car tomorrow morning and get out there. And, to be honest, I can't wait."
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Jim McGill