Effects of the Economic Climate
The stinging effect of the world's financial turmoil was felt no worse than in the motorsport industry. A vast amount of previously available funding dried up and life became a struggle, even for the most talented drivers - even Formula One felt the effects.

Funding my drives has always been a great challenge that has seen many ups and downs over the past years, but 2009 was to prove a step too far and, despite a great 2008 that saw constant improvements, my hardworking team and I were unable to meet the funding requirements for a continuation of my drive in BTCC for 2009.

Formula Two Development with MSV and Williams GP
However, all was not as depressing as it seemed and, ultimately, 2009 proved a very exciting and interesting year that opened many new avenues for me. After an approach by MSV and Williams GP I was given the role of Test and Development Driver for the brand new FIA F2 Championship working with Patrick Head and Tom McCullough and many of the development team over in their Grove HQ as well as the team at Motor Sport Vision. Starting in February, an intensive daily development program saw the evolution of the new F2 Series competing all over Europe throughout the 2009 season. Being involved in a project like this - the development of a brand new car from start to finish - was both exciting and rwarding. Working with Williams GP, a team I've always supported as a boy having seen them win World Championships, was an honour for me. My development role with Formula Two will continue into the winter of 2009 with tests in Spain and Portugal.

 

Eurosport Commentating
My presence at the European venues was needed for Friday testing and development and ongoing support for drivers and engineers, but this opened yet another exciting career door which saw me working as co-commentator to Martin Haven on the Eurosport TV channel. This was a whole new experience for me, particularly down to the races being live and, despite the initial nerves and fear of saying the wrong things (!), I very much enjoyed my experience alongside Martin in the commentary booth - very cosy it was, too!

Belgian Touring Car Series
2009 also saw me working with the CHAD Racing Team and KIA Motor Company developing their car for the BTCS Series. These cars are very much like small DTMs (German Touring Cars) and are very fast and demanding to drive. My role, similar tio that in F2, involved driver training, car development and testing as well as bringing my experience in working for different teams in F3, BTCC and World Series by Renault. With my experience in long-distance racing, they signed me for their long-distance races at Spa and Zolder.

BTCC test with Motorbase
A busy season finished with an invite from my former boss at Motorbase, Dave Bartrum, to join them down at Brands Hatch for half a day's testing back in their BMW. It was a great feeling to be back in a Touring Car again and I was amazed at the advances that had been made during 2009. The car was stable and grip levels were higher and I immediately went out and achieved some great lap times.

Back to BTCC for 2010?
Of course, 2010 is so dependent upon funding, but it would be such a fantastic opportunity for me to jump back into the BTCC and compete in one of the most exciting series in the world. The 2008 season saw me improving race-upon-race and my disappointment at not being able to compete in 2009 was extremely frustrating.

My team and I are currently working hard to secure a deal to drive in the BTCC in the 2010 season. Given my experience and a competitive car, I'm convinced we will be fighting for the 2010 BTCC championship and that is the one goal that my team and I are aiming for at this time.