• McLaren news

Rowland rewarded with McLaren test

ESPNF1 Staff
December 5, 2011 « RRA was doomed - Ecclestone | Mercedes tweaks name for 2012 »
Oliver Rowland was runner-up in Formula Renault UK this season © Sutton Images
Enlarge
Related Links

Oliver Rowland has won a McLaren test after being presented with the McLaren Autosport BRDC Award.

Rowland was shortlisted for the young driver award after finishing as runner-up in the Formula Renault UK championship. As well as the test, his prize included a cheque for £100,000 and full membership of British Racing Drivers' Club. Previous winners of the award include Jenson Button, David Coulthard, Dario Franchitti and Paul di Resta.

The winner was announced after evaluation in Formula 2, HWA Mercedes-Benz DTM and McLaren MP4-12C GT3 cars at Silverstone, and Rowland said that it had been far from a smooth year.

"I don't know what to say," Rowland said. "It's been a difficult year for me. I lost someone very close to me in [karting guru] Martin Hines, who passed away this year. He's helped me for six or seven years. I've had lots to learn this year in my first year of Formula Renault. I have learned a lot and now I'm here. I just can't believe it."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
ESPN Staff Close