JAMIE, GREAT TO CATCH UP AGAIN, HOW WAS YOUR FIRST SEASON IN FORMULA 3?
I loved it. Moving from fully enclosed GT and Endurance racing to open-wheel, single-seater, sprint racing was a big change of direction, and entering the highly competitive British F3 championship was obviously a challenge, but I had a very good team around me, some clear goals and, overall, I was pleased with my transition.

WHAT’S THE FORMULA 3 CAR LIKE TO DRIVE?
Awesome. It’s a ‘junior’ Formula 1 car, built for purpose, with all the emphasis on speed and grip. It’s very physical to drive and can be quite brutal. The aerodynamics provide lots of grip in the corners and the high g-forces put significant stresses on the neck and arms, so fitness is very important. But the effect is sensational. It requires very precise driving and pin-point accuracy. We spend hours going through the data and telemetry in the quest of saving tenths, even hundredths, of a second on each lap.

SO THE RACING MUST BE VERY CLOSE?
Yes, the top dozen cars are often separated by less than half a second over a two-minute lap. But the racing can be di cult because the aerodynamics that helps keep these cars glued to the track in clean air, create turbulent air behind them, which disrupts the downforce for follow- ing cars. This is why qualifying is so important because overtaking is quite tricky. It’s an art and that’s the challenge.

AND TOUGH COMPETITION?
Well, I was one of the ‘rookie’ drivers, in my first year of the Championship, but other drivers were in their second year. Although it is called British F3, some 23 drivers entered this year from all over the world – North and South America, Eu- rope, Asia, Australia, even Afri- ca. They come to Britain for the toughest racing on the widest variety of tracks and mixed weather conditions. It’s a testament to Britain’s place in world motor- sport that we are the breeding ground for top racing drivers

AND YOU RACED ALL OVER THE UK, AND EUROPE?
We had 24 rounds – three races at each venue – Oulton Park in Cheshire, Rockingham in Northants, two visits to Snetterton in Norfolk, Brands Hatch in Kent, Donnington Park in Derbyshire and the Grand Prix circuits at Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps.

WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE CIRCUIT?
Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium – an awesome circuit, winding and undulating through the hills and forest of The Ardennes. You’ll probably nd most race drivers of all eras name it as one of their favourites. I didn’t get my best results there, but actually had some of my best races, with very close fought battles and plenty of overtaking.

WHICH WERE YOUR BEST RACES?
At the start of the season I was told to learn the car, learn the circuits and aim for top 10 finishes. We achieved this, finishing 9th in the Championship. My best result was 3rd and a podium at Rockingham Speedway. But I actually felt most satisfied after the season finale at Donnington Park, where my pace was much quicker and, had it not been for other people’s incidents, I would have had my best weekend of the year.

ANY OTHER HIGHLIGHTS?
Establishing myself in British F3 was my main focus, but for some end of season fun, I entered the famous Walter Hayes Trophy at Silverstone, driving a classic Formula Ford – proper ‘old school’ seat of the pants racing, especially in the wet. I hope to do it again next year! Alongside the racing, I’ve been invited to do quite a bit of media work, which I always enjoy – commentating, presenting and guest appearances on BBC News, Sky F1 Show, and the ‘Formula 1 Live’ event in London among others.

AND, NOW THE 2017 SEASON IS OVER, WHAT DO ASPIRING RACING DRIVERS DO OVER WINTER?
I have to prepare for 2018. If funding allowed, I would love to do a race series in a sunny climate. A lot of drivers go to the Middle East or New Zealand and Australia. However, I’ll focus on my fitness programme, and probably do a bit of karting – it’s a good way to keep race sharp and competitive. Most importantly, racing is a business as much as a sport, so I have to work with and develop partners, sponsors and investors who want to share in my journey and, hopefully, future success.

AND IS THE TARGET OF THAT SUCCESS FORMULA 1?
It’s still early days. Of course, the aim is top level motorsport and the ultimate goals are Formula 1 or, if I switch back to GTs and Endurance, Le Mans. At the moment, my priority is to secure the support for my second year in British F3 – year two being a front-running championship contender. That would keep me on course.

THANK YOU JAMIE, WE WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS FOR THE COMING SEASON.
Thank you to BLOC and Box-build for their support. It’s really appreciated.