Keohane joins Sweeney racing

Clonakilty racing driver, Michael Keohane has joined Sweeney Racing in a works backed drive for the British Formula 3 Championship that starts in early April.

The 22-year-old will have another Irish driver, Adam Carroll from Portadown as his team mate in the team run by Dublin native, John Sweeney.

The British Formula 3 series is a recognised feeder category to Formula 1.

The Opel Spiess engined cars of Sweeney Racing will have a Lola Dome chassis that has been developed in Japan.

Lola is owned by Mayo man, Martin Birrane owner of Mondello Park.

Keohane, despite missing five races last season due to the untimely death of his father, Paddy, finished fifth in the series where he recorded two victories and had a total of eight podium finishes.

Commenting on the deal, he said, "It's great to have made a final decision. I waited for several weeks for the right offer, each time I was just about to reach a decision, a better offer surfaced and it was a case of back to the drawing board.

"It is a super opportunity to work with a manufacturer and to gain experience at this level. The fact that there is a big Irish involvement is another bonus"

"I can't wait for the start of the season, I am looking forward to working with my engineer, Roli

Vinceni, he's very experienced.

This is my second year at Championship Class level - that was always the intention and it was the way my late father, Paddy, had also suggested. It's nice to have been chosen by Lola to develop the car." he added

Sweeney Racing will take delivery of the first of their two new cars in about a ten days time and will test the car over several weeks.

The British Formula 3 Championship that starts in Donington Park on the weekend of April 5/6 will consist of twelve double rounds including two races at Spa Francorchamps.