Fortec promotes McKenzie to top class

McKenzie will make the leap with the same Fortec Motorsport squad that carried him to the 2009 National Class title. He will race the team's second Dallara-Mercedes alongside Formula Renault UK graduate Oli Webb.

"I know Oli well and he's a good friend, and he will be quick, which is fantastic for me," said McKenzie. "I want a fast team-mate because that will push me forward and help progress the team."

McKenzie, 21, has been engaged in a Formula 1-derived training programme over the winter to prepare for British F3's expansion from 20 to 30 races in 2010.

"I have never been as fit in my life," he added. "I'm hoping that I'll have the best stamina of any driver on the grid. I believe that the expansion to 30 races this year is really going to be a tough test.

"The team has been working extremely hard over the winter, as has Mercedes, and I have never been so excited and pumped-up at the beginning of a season. I cannot wait to get out in the car."

McKenzie took 11 class wins from 20 races last season and finished all bar one on his way to the National Class title. He will be aiming to repeat this consistency during his first season in the International Class.

"You don't have to win every race, nor even finish on the podium in every race, to win the title," he said. "But if you can finish nearly every race and score points, like I did last year, then the chances are that you will have a fantastic result in the championship."

Fortec's senior race engineer, Mick Kouros, believes the McKenzie/Webb pairing will be good for the team.

"After winning the National title last year against tough opposition from Gabriel Dias, Daniel will form a solid team with Oliver Webb," said Kouros. "We have a lot of confidence in Daniel's ability and we look forward to another successful season with him."

Kouros also confirmed that Fortec will stick with Mercedes engines until at least the end of 2011.

"We have been using Mercedes engines happily since 2006 and have recently signed with them for a further two seasons," he said.