Adam's on the eve of big time

HERE’S a fresh-faced British teenager who is following in the wheeltracks of Formula One superstars Kimi Raikkonen and Lewis Hamilton.
Adam Christodoulou, 19, won this year’s Formula Renault UK championship – repeating a feat achieved by Raikkonen in 2000 and Hamilton in 2003.

He has already enjoyed one of his rewards, performing well at a test in Renault’s much more powerful World Series single-seater at the Paul Ricard circuit in southern France.

And he hopes to emulate Raikkonen and Hamilton by making it all the way to the F1 grid.

Christodoulou, who has Greek Cypriot ancestry, said: "It’s a pleasure to follow Lewis and Kimi in winning the Formula Renault title – and it means a lot to achieve something they achieved.

"I’m sure it will inspire me to reach my ultimate goal of Formula 1."

Christodoulou drove this year for the crack CR Scuderia team – whose Ferraris are backed by The Sun in the FIA GT championship.

Next year he is aiming to compete in the European Formula 3 series – also won by Hamilton on his way up the ladder.

Christodoulou said: "I will be testing for several teams and will be there if all goes to plan. It’s the best series to get your name known."

The Renault 3.5 series, which has seen stars such as Sebastian Vettel and Robert Kubica pass through, may be another option.

Christodoulou lapped Paul Ricard just over one second slower than test pacemaker Charles Pic, a superb performance for a rookie.

The teenager said: "It was an awesome day. The car has certainly got a kick but the braking power is what takes the most time to get used to. It’s where I found a lot of time during the test."

Peter Crolla, of the Fortec Motorsport team that provided the car, said: "Adam approached the test in an extremely professional manner.

"It’s clear to see why he is the Formula Renault champion. He achieved as much in one day as some drivers take a season to achieve."

The sun