14 November, 2008: Fluid Motorsport Development has won an important early stage of British Formula Ford 2009 - the race to sign the first driver. Seventeen-year-old kart star Ben Barker is the youngster on pole position for the coming season, and he can't wait to fire up one of Fluid's new Van Diemens and follow in the wheeltracks of the team's '08 contenders, who won three of the Ford-backed championship's final four races.

"The Van Diemen looks like the car to have for 2009," enthuses Ben, "and I have known the team for years, so it's all very positive. I have tested other single-seaters but Formula Ford is a more involving chassis, and requires more control from the driver. I can't wait to get racing and get on the pace."

Fluid boss Lindsay Allen, who is looking to run a three-car Formula Ford squad in '09 alongside its highly successful Formula 3 operation, is confident that his team can carry its winning form into next season. "I think the Van Diemen is now better than the Mygale," he says, "and the test programme we are putting together will help us maintain that edge. I have known Ben since he started karting at age eight or nine and have watched him progress over the years; he has great talent and will be an asset to the team."

Fluid enjoyed success in 2008 not only in Formula Ford but also in the British F3 International Series, in which the team's Jay Bridger - a graduate of Formula Ford himself - won the National Class championship title.

Suffolk-based Barker is the son of successful single-seater and saloon car racer Carolyn Barker, and is a graduate of the Super 1 and Junior/Senior TKM karting series. He is backed by race shipping company Cars Motorsport.

Ben was due to test today (Friday) at Brands Hatch and will, says Allen, be testing on a weekly basis up to Christmas.

He is one of dozens of Formula Ford 2009 contenders who will be present at the championship's Sampler Day at Silverstone on 2 December. All the top teams from 2008 plan to attend, as well as newcomers such as Hillspeed Racing, which will be giving the new Juno chassis a public airing.