ROCHESTER driver Aaron Steele will make a step-up in class to race with Litespeed F3. The McLaren Autosport Award finalist will make his Formula 3 debut at Snetterton on Sunday.

His invite follows a shakedown test at the Norfolk circuit last Tuesday and gives 20-year-old Steele the chance to race in rounds nine and 10 of the Cooper Tires British F3 Championship.

The challenging series boasts a roll of honour which includes Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Ayrton Senna and Sir Jackie Stewart.

Steele's F3 test was disrupted by problems with his seat position and the car's cooling system, which limited him to a total of 29 laps. He now plans to complete another test before his race debut and will travel to Litespeed F3's headquarters for a second seat fitting.

He said: "The team worked through the night to make sure the car was ready for the test and there are so many positives going forward. From the little running I had I felt confident. It was enjoyable to drive, although I need more time to establish exactly what the car can achieve.

"Racing for Litespeed F3 is a mega opportunity and it's important that I have good races and achieve good results. I'm confident that we'll shortly be right up there."

Nino Judge, Litespeed F3 team principal, said: "Aaron Steele is an extremely talented young driver who has the potential to go all the way to Formula 1. This is not just because of his proven technical understanding and racing ability but because he also has the right temperament."