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14
February 2003
MICHAEL
LANDS WORKS LOLA F3 DRIVE
Michael
has landed a works Lola F3 drive in the 2003 British
Championship. The deal announced today means that the
22-year-old will drive for the Irish owned Sweeney Racing
team who are the official factory Lola F3 team for the
British series.
The
former Irish Kart Champion joins the team, which will
use Opel engines, on the back of a successful debut
season in the championship which spawned the careers
of Rubens Barrichello, David Coulthard and Jordan Grand
Prix rookie Ralph Firman. Last year Michael took two
wins and finished on the podium eight times driving
for Carlin Motorsport and despite missing five rounds,
due to the untimely death of his father, the Cork ace
still finished an excellent fifth in the overall standings.
Further
Irish interest in the deal is that Lola Cars, the world's
largest manufacturer of racing cars, is owned by Mayoman
Martin Birrane. The Ballina born businessman is also
the owner of Mondello Park, the Kildare race circuit
where Keohane cut his teeth in car racing in 1997.
'I'm
delighted to be given this opportunity to work with
Lola and Sweeney Racing. Lola is the biggest maker of
racing cars in the world and Sweeney Racing is a very
professional team. The fact that both companies are
owned by Irishmen makes the deal even more exciting.'
said the West Cork driver. 'Working closely with
Lola on the development of their new F3 car will be
a valuable experience for me for the future.'
Commenting
on his new signing, Sweeney Racing team principal John
Sweeney said, 'I am delighted Michael is joining
our team as he brings race winning experience which
will be a huge benefit to our programme this year. I
am also delighted to have an Irish driver on board and
to be able help Michael's in his racing career.'
Team
Engineer Roly Vincini was also very positive about Keohane
joining the team, 'Having watched Michael race last
year I am delighted he is on board. I believe he will
be a tremendous asset in developing the Lola chassis
and that we are going to work really well together.'
Consisting
of 24 races run over 12 events, the 2003 British F3
Championship will see Michael race across the UK and
in Belgium at the famous Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
He will also get the opportunity to impress F1 teams
when the series supports the British Grand Prix at Silverstone
in May.
Funded
by the West Cork Racing Business Expansion Scheme, long
time sponsor Clonakilty Black Pudding and Ibstock Brick,
Michael will make his race debut in the new Lola on
April 5/6 at Donington Park, Derby.
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