Dalziel quickest in Manor test.

Ryan Dalziel put a frustrating 2001 season behind him yesterday (Tuesday 23 October) with an impressive test for former British Formula Three Champions Manor Motorsport.

The test, held at Croft circuit in North Yorkshire, gave the 19 year-old Scot a chance to re-establish himself as one of the quickest drivers in the series after a largely disappointing 'rookie' F3 season.

Testing with Manor Motorsport alongside their regular driver Mark Taylor and Irishman Michael Keohane, Dalziel set the fastest time of the day with a 1m 14.6s around the 2.1-mile circuit. Conditions changed throughout the course of the day with the morning sessions run on wet tyres changing to slicks as the track dried in the afternoon. 2001 F3 Champions Carlin Motorsport were also present with drivers Anthony Davidson and James Eaton.

Speaking at the end of the day Dalziel commented: "It was great to run with Manor Motorsport, they've got an excellent reputation and having experienced it first hand I can see why. The track threw a little bit of everything at us today but I gave a good account of myself and ended the day fastest - my goal from the start!"

"This was an important test for me as Manor are a championship winning team. I wanted to prove that I could deliver the kind of performances they have come to expect from their drivers. I worked well with John (Booth) and the team and the feedback was very positive."

Dalziel finished the 2001 British F3 Championship 13th overall having driven for the Prost Junior and Duma Racing squads respectively.

Manor Motorsport won the British F3 Championship with Marc Hynes in their debut season in 1999 and retained the title the following year with Brazilian Antonio Pizzonia.