European Formula 3 Open racer Sean Walkinshaw has been buoyed ahead of the start of the main 2013 championship, which begins little over a week from now at Paul Ricard in France, after enjoying positive test outings at Germany’s Nurburgring and Silverstone Grand Prix Circuit in recent days.

Making his maiden visit to the world-famous Nurburgring, which will host the third event of the season at the beginning of June, the Chipping Norton teenager thoroughly enjoyed the experience and was pleased with the progress made.

Although last week’s test in Germany was affected by rain, Sean was more than happy to gain more wet-weather driving experience and was delighted with the programme he completed at the wheel of his Team West-Tec Dallara F308.

“It was a very good test, it was wet throughout and we did a lot of great work without any problems at all – it was certainly very beneficial”, said the 19-year-old, “I was quite pleased it was a wet test as we made a lot of good progress in those conditions, which is the area of driving I needed to work on most. It was good to visit Nurburgring, it’s a great track and very enjoyable to drive.”

Visiting his home venue, Silverstone, this past Tuesday, 16th April, the first year F3 competitor made yet more positive steps and the day proved very worthwhile. The Northamptonshire track will stage the fifth race meeting of the European F3 Open season in mid-July.

“We had another good test at Silverstone”, he commented, “We stuck to our programme and improved throughout. There were a couple of issues but it was still a good day."

Rounds one and two of the 2013 European F3 Open will take place at Paul Ricard HTTT in France, just over a week from now, on 27th/28th April.