BARKINGSIDE racing driver Scott Malvern steps up to the Formula Ford GB Championship this weekend, as the season gets underway at Oulton Park in Cheshire, by Mike Simmonds. Malvern, 21, enjoyed a sensational debut campaign in 2009, clinching the UK Formul

BARKINGSIDE racing driver Scott Malvern steps up to the Formula Ford GB Championship this weekend, as the season gets underway at Oulton Park in Cheshire, by Mike Simmonds.

Malvern, 21, enjoyed a sensational debut campaign in 2009, clinching the UK Formula Ford 1600 Championships as well as the Golden Helmet and Sir Jackie Stewart Trophies.

He won 14 out of 22 races in his rookie season, but has moved up a level to race for Cliff Dempsey Racing in a competition that has seen the likes of Jenson Button, Michael Schumacher and Ayrton Senna learn their trade before hitting the big time.

Despite being the new kid on the block, Malvern is approaching the starting grid in a positive mood.

"Naturally we are the underdogs," he said.

"Both the team and myself are new to the series this year and we are not underestimating the task in hand.

"I've worked for the opposition so I know exactly how professional they are and how well prepared they will be."

At the official championship launch and test day earlier in the month, Malvern posted the fastest time in the first session, to show the rest of the drivers he means business.

"We were delighted to be fastest of the 22 drivers here especially as many of them have tested in Spain and other places through the winter months, and this was our first run in a brand new car," he said.

"But we have to keep our feet very firmly on the ground, knowing that the others will be working extremely hard to catch up before the first race."

The opening rounds of the Formula Ford Championship starts on Saturday, while the second round is on Easter Monday.