Ilkley-based racer Chris Holmes, made a promising start to this year's Formula BMW championship at Donington Park.

Piloting his 140mph, single-seater race car for the first time, the 18-year old stormed through the field in both races.

After struggling to find a set-up in Saturday's qualifying sessions, Holmes was forced to start from 20th on the grid for the first encounter but he quickly progressed through the field - charging up to tenth place - before a mistake forced to him to retire.

Holmes - who is managed by Leeds-based double-British GT champion, Tim Sugden - was even further down the grid for race two; starting 23rd. However, he once again showed an impressive turn of speed and moved up to 14th by the chequered flag.

"I'm by far the least experienced driver on the grid, so I'm fairly pleased with that as a starting point,"" commented Holmes. "We had a very racy car and if we can qualify better, we should be challenging for a points finish soon."

With strong ties to the BMW-Williams Grand Prix team and past graduates that include the likes of Ralf Schumacher, the Formula BMW championship is Europe's premier training ground for prospective Formula One drivers.

Holmes was signed up to drive in the championship by leading squad, Fortec Motorsport, after impressing in the 2004 R400 Caterham sportscar championship.

Despite having no previous karting or motorsport experience, Holmes finished sixth in the British championships in his debut season.

Holmes, has secured a sponsorship deal with a major BMW dealership Sandal BMW, to race in this year's 140mph Formula BMW championship.

"It is obviously fantastic to get any kind of support for my racing career but it's even better when it comes from a local company. It's good for Sandal too, because at the moment, Formula BMW is one of the highest profile single-seater championships outside of Formula One.

"All the races are broadcast on television across Europe and we're on the same bill as British Touring Cars, so there are some pretty huge crowds at the events. Basically everyone that races in Formula BMW is looking to move into Formula One in a few years time," said Chris.

Sandal BMW has a long-standing involvement in motorsport and previously sponsored Holmes' manager, world championship sportscar racer, Tim Sugden, when he competed in British Touring Cars.

"Sandal used to sponsor me in the early nineties, so it's nice to see everything come full circle," commented the Leeds-based double British GT champion.

"Given that he's much less experienced than most of his rivals in Formula BMW, Chris has been doing incredibly well in testing. I'm sure he'll surprise a few people as we move into the season," added Sugden.

Jason Carter, dealer principal of Sandal BMW, added: "The timing couldn't have been better. Combined with the move to our new dealership, the opportunities that Chris brings as a professional racing driver, will increase Sandal's profile and help to reinforce the personal service that we can provide as a privately-owned company."