DURHAM racing driver Chris Dent's career in Formula Renault UK got off to a flying start on Saturday with the 19-year-old carving his way through the field in his first race.

Dent's car suffered mechanical problems in testing for the Winter Championship, which left him at the rear of the grid in qualifying. But the student from Merryoaks managed to work his way up to 12th place before a racing incident ended his hopes of a top-ten finish in the first race of the double header at Pembrey in South Wales.

In the second race, driving for Mark Burdett Motorsport, he again overtook more experienced drivers to finish 13th, making up three places at the first corner.

The races were Dent's first in the most prestigious single-seater series for young drivers in the UK, which launched the careers of Formula One star Kimi Raikkonen and Le Mans 24 Hours winner Guy Smith.

The Winter Championship, which continues with another double header on Saturday at Croft Circuit, near Darlington, is crucial preparation for drivers aiming to compete in Formula Renault UK next year.

After the Winter Championship, Dent aims to test with Fortec Motorsport and will be working to bring more sponsors on board prior to the championship next year.

Anyone interested in discussing sponsorship should contact Chris Dent Racing on 07720 548406 or visit his website at www.chrisdentracing.com

Published: 11/11/2004