AUSF3: Trimble to test Raikkonen-Robertson Racing BF3 team

MICHAEL TRIMBLE TO TEST FOR RAIKKONEN - ROBERTSON RACING

Victorian driver Michael Trimble will look to make the next big step forward in his racing career when he tests with the Raikkonen -- Robertson Racing Formula 3 team in England, next week.

Trimble will test with the 2006 British F3 Champion team, owned by Formula 1 star Kimi Raikkonen and his manager Steve Robertson, at the Pembrey Circuit in Wales on the 9th and 10th of October.

The 21-year-old will complete two days of running in a Double R Dallara F306 -- Mercedes chassis, as he bids to take his career overseas in the near future following two successful years in the domestic series, this year with local team Astuti Motorsport.

He has won six races in the Kumho Tyres Australian Formula 3 championship and has stood on the podium an impressive 23 times in just two years of racing in the class.

The confirmation of his two-day test with the Double R squad comes after Trimble made contact with the team's manager Anthony Heiatt almost a year ago in preparation for his first international test.

"I have been talking to Double R and Anthony for a year, slowly working out a plan to get me over there and into a car," said Trimble.

"I'm thrilled that it has come off and that I'll be able to go over to England and drive with the team that won this year's British Formula 3 Championship. It's going to be a great experience, a great opportunity for me and I intend to make the most of it.

"I couldn't think of a better team to have my first taste of British Formula 3 with.

"I think that I am ready to take the next step forward in my career and I am sure that this will be the best way to start that progression." He said.

Trimble leaves for the UK later this week and will visit the Double R Racing workshop in Surrey to have a seat fitting before he begins his two days behind the wheel on Monday.

"It will be good to get over there and have some time getting to know the team and the cars," He said.

"I'm really looking forward to the week. It's going to be hard to come back because when I've done the test there is no way I'm going to be able to sit out the British F3 championship next year!

"I'll be working hard to try and raise the finances so I can go over there and race with them in 2007."

Raikkonen -- Robertson Racing have had a dominant year in the British F3 International series, driver Mike Conway having clinched the prestigious championship just last weekend at Thruxton.

The team also ran cars for Bruno Senna (3rd) and Stephen Jelley (7th) this season, both drivers tasting success in what has been a powerhouse year for the operation.

Michael Trimble has been one of the top contenders in this year's Australian Championship, having won two races and a stunning pole position -- by over a second - in front of the Formula 1 teams at this year's Australian Grand Prix Support Races.

-credit: race-torque.com