UK: Williamson named McLaren Autosport award finalist

Championship leading Michelin Formula Renault UK entrant Manor Competition is celebrating the news Lewis Williamson has been named one of six finalists for the 2010 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award -- the most prestigious 'young driver' accolade in British motorsport.

Scottish 20-year-old Williamson, who is currently second in the Formula Renault UK standings ahead of the final two rounds of the campaign at Brands Hatch on 9th/10th October, has been a revelation in Manor Competition colours this year.

With five race victories -- including a memorable double at Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit in front of more than 120,000 spectators just under a fortnight ago -- the Golspie driver has won more rounds than any other driver this year and also has three further podiums, five pole positions and four NGK Fastest Laps to his credit.

Williamson's inclusion in the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award finals, which will be held at Silverstone in November, continues an envied pattern for Manor Competition with the team having produced the last two winners of the renowned accolade -- Alexander Sims in 2008 and Dean Smith in 2009.

The New Ollerton team, owned and run by husband and wife partnership Tony and Sarah Shaw, has an incredible history of developing racers who go on to success in motorsport's most prestigious 'young driver' award.

Smith, who won the Formula Renault UK title last year for Manor before going on to scoop the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award, followed in the wheel-tracks of 2008 winner Sims who was the 2008 Formula Renault UK Vice-Champion. Prior to this, Oliver Jarvis (2005 Formula Renault UK Champion) and Paul Di Resta came through the Manor ranks to earn McLaren award success.

"We're absolutely over the moon for Lewis", commented Tony Shaw, "He thoroughly deserves his place in the last six of the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award and we're delighted yet another Manor Competition driver has made it through the nomination process to the final stage. It proves, once again, we teach drivers the skills they need to succeed at the highest level.

"As far as we're concerned, Will (Stevens) and Ollie (Millroy) should be in there alongside Lewis as they've both driven fantastically well this year and have won races and taken plenty of podiums. Our focus now though is the final two rounds of the Formula Renault UK season. On drop-scores Lewis is only a single point behind the championship lead and Will still has an outside chance too."

The 2010 McLaren Autosport BRDC Award winner will be announced on Sunday, 5th December, at the annual Autosport Awards evening in London. Along with the prestigious title, the winner will receive 0x00a350,000, full membership of the British Racing Drivers' Club, Puma racewear, a TW Steel watch and the coveted Formula One test with the Vodafone McLaren Mercedes F1 Team.

Brands Hatch Indy Circuit in Kent will host the championship deciding final two rounds of the 2010 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship just over a week from now, 9th/10th October.

2010 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship driver standings (total scores): 2nd Lewis Williamson, 427pts; 4th Will Stevens, 395pts; 6th Ollie Millroy, 300pts; 12th Thomas Hylkema, 161pts

2010 Michelin Formula Renault UK Championship entrant standings: 1st Manor Competition, 873pts

-source: manorcompetition.com