Davidson under no illusions

Davidson has secured a drive in British Formula 3 and a Formula 1 test deal with BAR-Honda since receiving the prestigious award in December. Speaking at the Autosport International Show, the 21-year-old assured he did not intend to rest on his laurels.

"I'm guaranteed eight tests with BAR this year," said Davidson, "which is another step up the ladder. But even though I've got a testing deal, I'm still going to have to work very hard."

Davidson will fit testing for the Brackley-based team around his F3 campaign with Carlin Motosport. Japanese hotshoe Takuma Sato will partner Davidson at Carlin and is widely tipped to be the man to beat in 2001.

"There are many good drivers competing this year," said Davidson. "You can just about get away with doing two seasons in F3, but you have to be lucky. With 26 races it's like having two seasons in one. I'm looking to be as close to the front as possible right from the beginning, even in testing."

Following in the footsteps of former BRDC McLaren Autosport Young Driver Jenson Button, Davidson believes Britain's top single-seater series will provide him with the best possible grounding to move up into F1.

"It's very difficult to overtake in Formula 3, like in F1," he said. "You don't get pit-stops to make up places either, so it's pretty tough. There's an awful lot to learn."

Davidson will not get behind the wheel of his Carlin Dallara-Mugen Honda until the Formula 3 testing ban comes to an end on February 15.