Courtney aiming for big money bonus

The Australian is closing in on the Everitt Boles Challenge award, given to any driver taking pole position and winning the first race at three successive F3 rounds. Which at least provides a new storyline for his likely continued domination of the series in his Carlin Motorsport Dallara-Mugen Honda.

The Silverstone International circuit, with its highly technical layout, should suit the well set-up Carlin machine of Courtney a treat. The track is unpopular with the drivers, with only Copse Corner as a challenge, although at least it is wide enough for there to be a fair degree of overtaking.

Courtney's team-mate Michael Keohane moved into second place in the points thanks to his third place at Croft, but needs to curb his over-enthusiasm in qualifying - something which could be badly punished on this track.

Down to third equal, Robbie Kerr has had three non-finishes in a row and desperately needs a turnaround with his Alan Docking Racing Dallara-Mugen. He is level on points with Promatecme team driver Bruce Jouanny, who has also been a little off the pace of late. Manor Motorsport, meanwhile, will look to break a strange run in which each of the team's three drivers - Mark Taylor, Richard Antinucci and Ronnie Bremer - seem to take turns to hit form.

Adam Carroll is still well ahead in the Scholarship Class, although there will be great interest in the progress of his new team-mate at Sweeney Racing, Robert Dahlgren.