HAMPSHIRE racer Matt Harris took on the challenge of the Formula Palmer Audi Autumn Trophy and finished a creditable fourth after the final rounds of one of the UK's most competitive series last Sunday.

The Curdridge youngster was beaten only by drivers with far more experience of the powerful single-seaters.

The Autumn Trophy was run over six races and 18-year-old Harris gained valuable experience in the championship's 300bhp FPA cars with their unique 'boost' button which enable the driver to have 360bhp under his right foot a set number of times per race.

Harris more than held his own in an experienced field - a timely confidence booster going into his second season of Formula BMW.

He said: "At Snetterton two weeks ago I finished in the top five in all three races, which took me up to second in the championship.

"So I was confident for Brands, but then qualifying was on a damp track, and I had hardly ever driven a Formula Palmer Audi in the wet.

"There were only 20 cars on the track, but there were drivers of wildly varying abilities and it was really difficult to get a clear lap, so I was pleased to be fourth on the grid for the first race, but disappointed with 14th in the second.

"The cars are very different to the Formula BMW I raced all season - almost the exact opposite with far more power and a very different technique in the corners.

"I was seventh on the grid for the final race, and gained places early on, but again could get no higher. I spent the race bottled up behind one other car - this time I even made a hole in my nose cone as I got so close and my feet started getting cold with the draught!

"I ended up fourth in the points, though everyone who finished ahead of me had done at least one full season of Formula Palmer Audi - and the champion started racing when I was a one-year-old!

"Now we are aiming to do Formula BMW again next year - budget permitting of course."