BRUNDLE: ARME HAS MAGIC FORMULA FOR MOTOR SUCCESS

[davewilson]

Tv commentator and ex-Formula One driver Martin Brundle is backing a schoolboy from the Staffordshire Moorlands to be a big hit in motor racing.Brundle says Tom Arme, from Cauldon Lowe, "deserves to make the grade" after defying red tape to sparkle in his debut motor racing season.

 
Arme was only 15 years old when he won the British Racing Drivers Club Stars of Tomorrow junior kart championship last year.

His ability on the track earned him a BRDC scholarship, giving him a place in this year's Formula Renault BARC event.

Even though he was forced to sit out the first two races of the season because he was too young to compete, he caught the eye with some impressive drives once he had turned 16.

He grabbed podium places at both races at the Croft circuit in May, and finished ninth overall in the championship.

One of his keenest observers was Brundle, chairman of the BRDC, who has watched Arme since his 2001 kart racing season.

"Without doubt, I have been impressed," said Brundle. "He has a very determined, yet measured style."

Brundle, who started his own racing career at the age of 12, believes kart racing is an excellent introduction to single-seat motor racing.

"A wide range of skills are required to move through the pack in both an attacking and occasionally defensive way," he said.

"Tom approached this system very well and with a calmness and maturity beyond his years.

"He invariably moved forward in a very intelligent way and avoided the inevitable clashes, showing a balance of aggression and caution.

"He is a young man who has the confidence to present himself well, and has total support from his parents.

"He deserves to be one of those precious few who make the grade."

Brundle added: "He has moved seamlessly into circuit racing and his scholarship is further confirmation of his potential."

Arme did better than his manager Mark George had expected in his first Formula Renault season, considering his age had barred him from even testing before he turned 16.

And if he competes again next season, George feels there will be no stopping him.

"With the correct level of testing, Tom would be in the top three for the season, and would probably win the championship," he said.

But Arme faces a battle to generate enough sponsorship to continue his driving ambition.

"Having the right amount of financial backing will enable him to test pre-season and race during 2007," said George. "Without it, the career of the most promising of drivers will falter and maybe even cease."

The Stig