A GIFTED 19-year-old racing driver has been told he could be a championship contender for the series that spawned the likes of Formula 1 star Kimi Rikknen.

Chris Dent, from Durham, has received a ringing endorsement from the team currently leading the Formula Renault UK and F3 championships.

Fortec Motorsport have offered him a seat in one of their Formula Renault cars next season - but first Dent has to secure sponsorship to complete the winter series, a crucial test and introduction to the team.

Dent said: "This opportunity means everything. People take you seriously when you drive with a team like that. It shows you're more committed, more determined to win. The worst thing is going to a track and seeing people I know I

can beat but they're driving and I'm not because they have the money.

"It's more frustrating than anyone can understand. All I can do is concentrate on using this time, not wasting it, and getting as fit as I can

for the winter series and hope that someone is prepared to sponsor me."

Dent, who has A levels in physics, business studies and general studies, is earning what he can working in a restaurant while building up his own profile with a new website and taking on an ex-Formula 1 PR consultant to help promote him. The Formula Renault championship, a series supported by one of the world's biggest motor manufacturers, is broadcast on terrestrial television and receives regular coverage in the motorsport press. Fortec Motorsport, who are the current title holders, offered Dent a drive after team owner Richard Dutton watched him during test sessions at Donington and Croft.

They want Dent to test with them and complete the winter series with a view to racing in the 2005 championship. Fortec Race Engineer Mark Godwin, who has seen hundreds of young drivers over the years, says he has the ability and the right mental attitude. "Chris definitely has talent.," said Godwin.

* For more information about Chris Dent, or to discuss sponsorship

opportunities, telephone 07720 548 406.

Published: ??/??/2004