Kane Signs for Promatecme

The Ulsterman, whose career is being guided with help from former F1 World Champion Damon Hill, will drive Lola's new B05/30 for what will be his first season in the international class of British F3. He previously competed in the scholarship class during 2003.

Although the deal has come just a few days before the start of the season at Donington Park this weekend, and although this means Kane will only test the car for the first time on the Thursday before the event, he is upbeat about his prospects for the year ahead.

"This is a fantastic move for my career and I am very much looking forward to racing for Promatecme in a Lola this season," the Briton said. "Despite the late nature of the announcement I feel that with the team's pedigree for success and Lola's commitment to Formula 3, we can really make an impression this season."

Promatecme boss Chris Weller was equally delighted with the deal to run Kane. "We are highly delighted to have Steven on board this year as we saw in 2003 what he can do in an F3 car," he said. "We have a lot of work to do before the first race next weekend but I am confident that we can have a memorable season of racing in 2005."

Lola worked hard on revamping the F3 car this year, after seeing Danny Watts take a significant maiden victory for its predecessor at Castle Combe last year. The company has revamped the car's aerodynamics as well as focused on improving its handling over kerbs.