I’m sure, like many other racing drivers, the first race victory is an indelible moment in time and a memory that lasts a lifetime. My first win is, for sure, because it was that which ultimately led to everything else. It came in a Formula Ford 1600 race at Cadwell Park and I am sure that everybody else involved has long since forgotten about it. But for me, as a 17-year-old novice, it marked a key point in my development as a driver and I will never forget it.
Since that day, I went on to carve out my motor racing career, where I have been fortunate enough to experience some wonderful moments, like winning important races and a string of titles and awards between 1990 and 1996, such as the McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year, Formula Ford 1600 champion, the Formula Opel Lotus Euroseries champion, the Marlboro Masters F3 winner and British Formula Two champion to mention a few. Of course, driving on fantastic circuits such as the old Zeltweg and Spa were truly thrilling too. My early successes led to the various Formula One tests for McLaren, and along the way I have been very fortunate to meet and work with some of the great names and personalities in motorsport.
