Press Release : Derek Hill
Dateline 12/11/00
For Immediate Release


Derek has completed a total of six days testing with three of the leading Formula 3000 Teams during the past four weeks.

The aim of the testing program has been to give Derek the chance to gain as much experience as possible with the Lola 99/50 chassis that he will race next year in the FIA Formula 3000 Championship. He has also been able to work with several teams to identify the best opportunities for Derek in the Championship.

The highlight of the tests was the third fastest time in the final session at Barcelona on the 3rd of November. Derek followed this up with a very successful test at Estoril on the 7th of November with the Championship winning Petrobras Junior Team.

Derek only completed the first, and slower, day of testing at Estoril. His time of 1:30.426 was the seventeenth fastest time and both the team and Derek where confident that had he driven on the second day he would have set a time in the 1:29 second region, right on the pace.

" Working with the three teams, Kid Jensen Racing, DAMS and Petrobras Junior Team, has been a great experience.  Each team had it's own way of working and I was able to learn a lot from each one.  Now it is a matter of getting signed up with the best team we can.

It is very difficult to get into one of the top teams for a first season in F3000.  The Championship is one of the toughest in the world and the teams all want experienced F3000 drivers to go for the Championship. But we are talking to all the right people and are in good shape to land a strong ride for next season.

I feel that I have paid my dues here in Europe.  F3000 is now recognized as the hardest championship there is for drivers. I can't wait to be on the grid in Brazil next year for the first race," Derek commented.

(source: Derek Hill)