MSV F3 Cup Champion Toby Sowery has set his sights on Auto GP next year and will be undertaking a test programme with Virtuosi Racing in the New Year with a view to a full season. Auto GP recently announced their new package for 2015 which offers an F1 test with a leading F1 team for the winner of the championship.

The 18-year-old, from Cambridgeshire, came out of karting last year and virtually dominated in his first year in F3 with Lanan Racing.

“Everyone told me F3 was ambitious straight after karting and I’m sure people will say the same about Auto GP. Drivers climbing the ladder are only getting younger so this move allows me to prepare for GP2 or the World Series,” said Toby.

Sowery is managed by the newly formed Kingfisher Motorsport Group, which is headed up by Graeme Glew.

“Toby has a lot of natural ability as well as all the other aspects required from a modern day driver and the move to Auto GP won’t be difficult for him. We placed Venezuelan Roberto La Rocca with Virtuosi last year and he adapted well to the car, providing Toby undertakes a solid test programme he will be there,” Glew added.

Virtuosi Team Principal Andy Roche noted: “This is a great opportunity for the team and Toby to prepare for the 2015 Auto GP season. I am sure that by the time we get to the first race in Marrakesh, Toby will be very much on the pace and show what he is capable of; challenging for race wins and the championship from the start of the year.”

Sowery is currently leading The MRF championship which has seen him lead the way in Qatar and Bahrain and with one more event to come in Chennai in India in January he is the title favourite.

“The MRF series has given me valuable winter season experience, but now I need to move up and I have my sights set on the F1 test!” Toby concluded.