RACING driver Chris Dent is aiming to secure a drive with the top team in Formula Renault UK after an impressive performance in the championship winter series.

Dent, from Durham, was fourth quickest in the wet at Croft Circuit in North Yorkshire during practice for the final rounds of the series.

In dry conditions the 19-year-old was in the top eight despite it being only his second weekend of racing in the series.

Despite suffering from a gearbox problem on race day, Dent's manager John Dent said: "Chris is realistically knocking on the door of top ten which is no mean achievement when you look at the standard of drivers in the competition, many of whom have already proved themselves in the full series.

"Unfortunately Chris was prevented from proving what he is really capable of after being forced into the pits on lap two but he's had some very encouraging comments on his performance during the winter series."

The winter series, which took place over two weekends at Pembrey in South Wales, then Croft, is considered to be important preparation for the main championship next year.

The winter campaign was won by Stuart Hall, from Essex, driving for Fortec Motorsport, reigning Formula Renault UK champions.

John Dent added: "Our target now is to test with Fortec during the winter with a view to securing a seat with them next year. Chris has already had some excellent feedback from the team so we're confident that he'll be driving with the top team in the 2005 championship."

Published: 19/11/2004