Edwards Joins Docking for British F3 2001

[Craig]

For Immediate Release 19 February 2001


PAUL EDWARDS JOINS DOCKING FOR 2001 BRITISH F3 CAMPAIGN


22-year-old American Paul Edwards will contest this year's British F3
Championship driving for Alan Docking Racing, it was announced today.
Edwards will run alongside experienced British teammate Andy Priaulx in
the Silverstone-based team's Dallara F301-Mugen Honda. The move follows
Edwards' outstanding test runs with the team last October and caps a
winter of intensive sponsorship hunting by the young Californian.

Edwards' move up the next rung of the ladder leading to Formula One will
be supported by Doug Mockett and Company, a US distributor of premium
architectural hardware and fixtures. "It's been a long-held ambition of
mine to help a deserving young American into British F3, and with Paul I
feel I've found the right driver," said company owner Doug Mockett.
"There's nothing like British F3 for proving that a driver has what it
takes to win in F1, and that's what I think Paul will demonstrate this
season."

joining Mockett will be a group of private investors from the US, while
Edwards is hoping to land additional sponsorship as the season
approaches to secure the funding he requires. "F3 is when you really
step into the spotlight, and you need a full budget to do your best with
a professional team," Edwards said. "I feel I am in the best position
this year with Alan Docking Racing. I believe in everyone on the team
and with us working together I know we will achieve the results we are
all working so hard at."

Edwards's signing gives Docking one of its most competitive driver
line-ups in over 20 years as a British F3 entrant. "Andy's expected to
win races this year, but from what we've seen of Paul, we can see
winning races with both drivers," team owner Alan Docking commented.
"I've been at this game a long time, and Paul is one of the strongest F3
rookies I've ever seen. He's got the natural ability and a good head on
his shoulders to go with it. The whole team is excited at having him on
board."

The team's chief engineer, Paul Antony, is also a compatriot of
Edwards. "It's a bit special being able to help develop a young
American with real talent." Antony said. "It seems the US is taking more
of an interest in F1, so I think Paul's arrival on the scene is well
timed. But the important thing isn't his nationality - it's that he's
ready to run with the best from anywhere in the world."

Edwards made the commitment to European racing at the outset of his
career, and has been a winner in Formula Ford, Formula Opel, and Formula
Palmer Audi on his way to F3. The three-time recipient of the Valvoline
Team USA Scholarship is looking forward to flying the flag again in
2001. "It's no secret I want to be the next American in F1, and F3 is
the way to get there. It's a crucial step in my education as a driver,
and I couldn't have picked a better school than ADR. The team is totally
professional but friendly at
the same time. I'm grateful for their confidence in me, and also want to
thank Doug Mockett and my other sponsors for the opportunity to show
what I can do."

[Marshal]

Cool. Another competetive driver joins the fray. One thing about F3 this year is there don't seem to be many makeweights on the driving ffront. Should make it an interesting championship with all those potential race winners out there.

I aslo see that Nick Kiesa was quickest in testing at Jamara yesterday, but only 0.06 of a second clear of Lotterer. However only Jaguar Manor and RC were present so I guess we'll have to wait for the FOTA tests to get a full picture of the pecking order.

[FEUsmart]

Still, out of 'only' Jaguar, Manor and RC, it's good to see that hopefully Jag and Manor won't have it all their own way. And I'd be very happy if Mr. Kiesa were the one to blow them away.

[Francesca]

with so many new teams and new drivers it's ging to be a very exciting year!
I can't wait.