Motorsport: McAlpin tastes Formula 3 power at Silverstone

Portrush master chef, George McAlpin, had his first taste of Formula 3 power this morning at Silverstone.

The newly-crowned Ford of Ireland Formula Ford Champion took up one of the prizes he won - the first being with Meritus Racing - for winning the title last month in his Ramore/Coast Pizza Pasta Bar Mygale SJ01.

The Irish Formula Ford Drivers Association teamed up with leading Formula 3 team, Meritus Racing, to give the 2001 Ford of Ireland Champion the superb opportunity to test a Dallara.

However, restaurateur McAlpin - who took four wins on the way to his first major title in 16 years - generously offered to share the prize by splitting the three-hour test session with up-and-coming Irish youngsters, Charlie Donnelly (Naas) and Michael Devaney (Dublin).

Eighteen-year old Donnelly, who was selected by Motorsport Ireland as "Young Racing Driver of the Month" for September, won the ACEC Junior Cup title with six class wins and finished the season fourth overall.

Devaney (16) - also one of the "Young Racing Driver of the Month" finalists - finished the 10-round championship in fifth place with two victories under his belt.

Said McAlpin prior to the test: "I wanted to give the youngsters the chance in a Formula 3 car, so the IFFDA decided to split it three ways which was probably the fairest decision."

He continued: "We all had a seat fitting at Silverstone yesterday (Thursday) with Meritus and for my first time in a Dallara, I found the noise and revs unbelievable! The clutch will take some getting used to and I guess this is where fitness will really show. The team has been absolutely brilliant and helpful, and I'm really looking forward to it tomorrow."

An ecstatic McAlpin emerged from his 33-lap Formula 3 test this morning and joked: "I'd love to race one - I'm looking for the budget already! It was absolutely brilliant and what an experience. The sheer speed and grip are unreal and I didn't stall it once. I had one spin at Becketts, braking too late and had to take to the grass a couple of times avoiding Formula Fords."

McAlpin achieved a time of 57.2secs and reckons he could have knocked off another second and a half with more time in the car.

Both Devaney and Donnelly were due in the car later in the day.