Pizzonia aims for F1 within three years

The Brazilian drove the car- his prize for winning this year's Formula Renault Sport Championship - around Silverstone's National circuit.

The 19-year-old, who has signed to drive for Manor Motorsport's F3 team after winning 11 out of 13 FRS races, completed 20 laps.

He hopes to return to a Formula One cockpit within three years.

He said, 'I've always dreamed of driving an Formula One car.

'I enjoyed the experience a lot, despite being quite nervous at first.

'I was amazed at how much power the car had.

'My ambition is to race in F1 and I hope to achieve that in about three years - but obviously I have to be successful in F3 before I can do that.

'My main aim was to enjoy myself and return the car to the pits in one piece.'

Pizzonia, who was supported by friends and family from his native Amazon region of Brazil, also fulfilled his childhood ambition of driving a car belonging to his boyhood hero, Sir Frank Williams.

He added: 'The speed and power are incredible and the experience has made me even more determined to reach F1. If one day I can be there with Williams, then that would be another dream come true.'

Following today's test, Sir Frank Williams said, 'Antonio's performance impressed and he handled both the pressure of driving a Formula One car and the significant leap in horsepower very well.

'Antonio's results during the 1999 season have been outstanding, and we are happy to have been able to give him this opportunity.

'I hope he has enjoyed the experience.'