New FFord constructor

Much of the design input has come from Keith Lain, whose experience dates back 42 years to his early days spent at Team Lotus. Lain designed the Argo FAsia chassis in the '80s, and has worked with Van Diemen's design chief Dave Baldwin - another former Lotus man - down the years.

"I don't want to be seen to be only a Hot Rod manufacturer, but nor do I want to turn my back on my racing roots," said Wills. "We have a good client base, and new cars to build for the ovals, but it's difficult to make a living from that exclusively. That's why we are branching out into other things. You have to move on.

"I have always been adventurous, but would not have started this if Van Diemen hadn't been concentrating on other things. I'm delighted that Ralph Firman [founder of the legendary marque, and now CDL's landlord] has given the project his blessing. That's very important."

With Van Diemen scaling down its UK production, and French rival Mygale concentrating on its F3 project, the FFord market has been blown wide open. "The market place has changed," agrees Wills, "but what hasn't is the need for an affordable class for teenagers to bridge the gap between karting and cars. Formula Ford's strength in Finland is evidence of this, and places like Russia will follow."

The car is being developed with local fibreglass specialist Radcore Ltd and Webb's Engineers. It will be shown for the first time at the Festival in October. The spaceframe chassis is to minimum dimensions, with a slightly shorter wheelbase and narrower track than the current Van Diemen. Specific attention has been paid to aerodynamics, which windtunnel testing will hone.

A common upright for all four corners reduces pattern and spares costs and will ease on-event maintenance. "We are banking on being able to sell a few cars," says Wills. "If we could do a dozen in 2005 I'd be happy."