JERSEY racing driver James Walker, who this year competed in the British International Formula 3 Championship, the proving ground for future Formula 1 drivers, is in demand for the 2006 season.

The Islander, who scored his first Formula 3 victory at the Nurburgring circuit in Germany three months ago, has been invited to the Lola Cars factory in the UK.

Lola is the world’s largest and most respected racing car manufacturer and is the exclusive car supplier for the A1 GP series, which was launched in October as an alternative to Grand Prix racing.

And, following his test session for Hitech Racing, the team for which he drove in 2004, James will be out testing for them next week at Mondello Park in Ireland.

This will be the first time he has experienced the Mercedes-Benz F3 engine, which will make its racing debut in British series in 2006 having dominated elsewhere this year.

‘It’s good just to be driving again – limited budgets mean that I’ve tested only once since the end of the season’, said James.

‘But I’m extremely excited about sampling the Mercedes engine, as it appears that it’s going to be the engine to have for next year.

If we can get a drive in a Mercedes-engined car for 2006 then we can get more wins, challenge for the championship and maintain the momentum towards reaching Formula 1.

‘However, as ever in motor sport, if you don’t have the budget you won’t be on the grid.

We have a substantial part of the budget but need to raise more to secure a drive.

‘I’ve shown that I can win even when not in the best car out there, so I know I can get the job done with the right equipment and become Jersey’s first home-grown Grand Prix driver.

We’re working day and night to find the funds and are I’m hoping that the Jersey business community will help me in realising my goal, not only for me, but for the Island.’