EFREN: Driver search winner starts testing

Red Bull Driver Search for American Formula 1 Champion Kicks Into High Gear

Just after the 2003 Red Bull Driver Search program was successfully launched in midtown Manhattan on 11 March, one of the 4 winners of the 2002 program started intensive testing in Europe.

Grant Maiman, of New London, WI, put his new 200hp Formula Renault through the paces on three German race tracks this week. On Monday, Maiman and his Jenzer Motorsport team revved high at the hallowed Nürburgring circuit in the Eifel, at the Oschersleben track south of Berlin Wednesday and Thursday, and Saturday and Sunday at the Lausitzring.

"This is the fastest I've ever driven," said Maiman after catching his breath. "And though everything is new to me, including the car and the tracks, I'm already gaining on the guys who drove here last year. I'm extremely optimistic."

Maiman, will be competing for two Formula Renault titles, in the European and German series. The first race of the 2003 season will be staged at Oschersleben the weekend of 3-4 May. In total, the titles will be fought over 13 events thoughout Europe, including at Dijon, Hockenheim, Spa, Zandvoort and Donington.

The other 3 winners of the 2002 Red Bull Driver Search program will start racing in April in 3 different series: British F3 (Scott Speed), Formula Euro 3000 (Joel Nelson) and Formula Nissan (Paul Edwards).

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