UK: Will Stevens joins Fortec Racing for 2009

WILL STEVENS TO RACE FOR FORTEC IN 2009 FORMULA RENAULT UK

The highly rated karter Will Stevens will make his eagerly awaited move to circuit racing in 2009 with the top Formula Renault Team, Fortec. Stevens is now widely regarded as one of the top karters in the world following his stellar performances in 2007, when he won the European, Asia-Pacific and International Open Masters titles. He will begin his testing programme following the last major karting race this season in the final round of the WSK International Series this weekend in Zuera in Spain. It is then anticipated that he will compete in the Formula Renault Winter Series, again with Fortec, before completing his preparations for the 2009 Formula Renault UK series. Stevens will join his ex-karting team mate, James Calado at Fortec as part of their four car line up in 2009.

Stevens commented, "I'm delighted to be joining Fortec, their track record speaks for itself and I'm certain it will be a great environment for me to learn and make the transition to car racing." He added, "With the help of my management team at 2MB and now Fortec, I'll hopefully have the all the support required to make the transition a successful one."

Fortec Team Principal, Richard Dutton commented, "We are all excited to be working with such a great young talent as Will. The team is looking forward to great things in 2009."

The four race Formula Renault Winter Series takes place on 1/2 November at Croft and 7/8 November at Rockingham. Will Stevens was also signed to the Honda Racing F1 Team Young Driver Programme in April 2008. Honda is committed to the development of emerging motorsport talent and will monitor Will's progress over the coming years as he makes his progression through the junior formulae.

-credit: ws