Craig Murray - The comeback kid!

Craig Murray is being touted as the 'Comeback Kid', with his bid for success in 2001 finally in full swing. The 23 year old Scot has his heart set on winning the Scholarship Class in the Green Flag British Formula Three Championship.

He makes his debut in the Scholarship Class this weekend (31st March/1stApril), with every intention of winning the first two races. The class, backed by the British Racing Drivers Club, is for drivers competing in cars which are at least two year old, and the coveted prize of ?125,000 for the championship is the biggest cash prize in British motorsport.

Craig, from Newton Mearns, Glasgow, is hoping that his hard work over the winter months will pay off. "It really has been a labour of love. I know I've got the talent, and the determination, but as with so many young drivers, I have found it very difficult to secure sponsorship. So I took matters into my own hands, and I've sourced the funds and resources for this season from people who have the confidence in me to succeed. I've built the car from scratch, with the help of the team at Aztec International, and now, fingers crossed, I'll be able to reap the rewards in the form of race wins, and hopefully the Scholarship title."

Craig's last appearance in a British Championship saw him clinch a well deserved second place in the Slick 50 Formula Ford Zetec Championship in 1999. This year he rejoins contemporaries such as James Courtney and Anthony Davidson in British F3.

Competing in the Scholarship class in an F398 Dallara Mitsubishi, Craig hopes to make an impression in the competitive British F3 series. " All eyes are on F3 this year, because of the high standard of drivers and teams involved."

It will be a busy weekend for Craig, who also manages Aztec International's eight-strong Formula Ford team. "I want everybody at Aztec to win. I've divided my time between building up a first class Formula Ford team, and working on my own racing career. I'm confident that I can keep the Fords on track this weekend, because I have a strong team of people behind me. My own goal is to win, and that applies to both the Ford team and the Scholarship Class F3."

Although he hasn't managed to get in much pre-season testing, Craig believes his experiences last year in Formula Super Toyota (now Spanish F3) will give him an advantage. "I raced last year in a very similar car, I know all the British circuits like the back of my hand, and if the races are wet this weekend it will even things out for me. This weekend is mainly a damage limitation exercise to ensure I have the best shot at the Championship. Once the first two races are finished, then I will begin a full testing schedule."

The car itself has come together thanks to Craig's hard work, and the backing of Aztec International, who make their first foray into Formula Three this season, following two successful seasons in Formula Ford and Formula Renault. Aztec boss Rob Kemp said: "I think the investment the company has made with Craig speaks for itself. His talent and attitude is well worth the large investment. He will go far with financial support, there is no doubt about that."

Craig is determined to make a success of this season in order to get his career back on track, with a view to F1 testing in the near future. "If I can win the Championship this year, I will put the prize money into pursuing a career in A class F3 or F3000 in 2002."