An Ongar man is aiming to prove he has what it takes to fulfil his driving ambition in life by entering a nationwide competition to discover the Formula One stars of the future.

Shakletons resident Steven Le Hellidu currently works as a team leader with Billericay-based recruitment consultants Specialist Financial Appointments.

But after racing cars as a hobby for more than ten years he says he would be prepared to put everything else on hold to pursue his dreams of Grand Prix glory.

Steven's big chance came late last year when he won a one-day endurance karting competition.

His brother-in-law, who also competed in the event, was so impressed that he recommended Steven enter the 2003 UK F1 Drivers' Challenge sponsored by Exchange & Mart.

The contest - which takes place over eight elimination rounds ranging from a fitness test up to a Grand Prix-standard race on the Monza circuit in Italy is to form the basis of a major reality-TV series being screened on Channel Five this year.

It is being billed as the opportunity of a lifetime - with the top prize on offer being a long-term racing contract with Essentially Motorsport, the management team behind F1 driver Jenson Button and world rally champion Colin McRae.

A spokesman for the contest organisers said: "The competition will be very stiff, but remains open to anyone with the right combination of skill and determination.

"Anyone who believes they could be the best driver in the country anyone who believes they could be the next Michael Schumacher if they had the chance. This is that chance."

With less than a month to the first round a fitness test involving 1,000 participants at Worcester Rugby Club Steven told the Brentwood Gazette he was confident he could progress.

The 27-year-old, who works out at least five times a week at the Stock Brook Manor fitness centre in Billericay, said: "It's been a lifelong ambition of mine to do something like this, and this is the first real opportunity that's come along."

Published Tuesday, January 14, 2003