Award winner Davidson signs for BAR

The 21-year-old from Hemel Hempstead was crowned with the coveted title in London on Sunday night, which includes a £50,000 prize and, ironically, a test in a McLaren Formula 1 car.

Davidson only started racing cars in the winter of 1999. He finished third in this year's British Zetec Formula Ford Championship before winning the prestigious Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch in October.

"All of us here at BAR are extremely excited about the signing," said British American Racing Managing Director Craig Pollock. "We fully believe that we have found an outstanding talent in Anthony, and we were not surprised by the outcome of the McLaren Autosport Young Driver of the Year Award in recognition of this."

He added: "We are sure that this is not the first and certainly not the last trophy that Anthony will receive. We are looking forward to a successful partnership and welcome him onboard and to British American Racing."

Davidson is expected to get eight tests with the Brackley-based squad next year in a 'junior' test driver role. He has already signed with Carlin Motorsport to race in British Formula Three next year as team-mate to pre-season favourite Takuma Sato.

BAR will also test 1999 British Formula Three champion Marc Hynes at Jerez this week, leaving the future of its 2000 test driver Darren Manning unclear. Manning is scheduled to test for three days this week in Spain and in January, but the decision to sign and test other drivers will undoubtedly put pressure on his, and fellow test driver Patrick Lemarie's, position within the squad.

For a full report on Davidson's McLaren Autosport BRDC Young Driver Award win, click HERE.