Kerr ahead by 21 going into crucial test

AT the start of the Avon Tyres British Formula 3 Championship season, Australian James Courtney was the overwhelming favourite to land the title and follow in the footsteps of his Carlin Motorsport team-mate Takuma Sato.

Within a few weeks, the prediction appeared to lack substance as Courtney failed to convert numerous pole positions. Robbie Kerr, Bruce Jouanny, Michael Keohane and Mark Taylor all stood on the top step of the podium before the Jaguar F1 test driver secured his first win in round seven in Knockhill.

A strong run enabled him to reel in Kerr and take over at the top of the series until a high-speed crash during an F1 test in Monza forced him to miss two races. Kerr, just like he did the previous year in the Scholarship Class, suddenly found an increase in pace. A string of fine results including six wins, coupled with his early season brace, saw him reclaim top spot.