TAVISTOCK'S Jordan Williams has his eyes firmly focussed on launching a Formula One career after his track debut at Brands Hatch at the weekend. The 16-year-old, who races for Team Loctite, kick-started his Formula BMW UK Championship career by finishing 11th and 13th at the season's opener. Now after finishing on the podium at the 2006 Playstation British Ginetta Junior Championships, Williams already has his firmly focussed on following in the footsteps of British F1 sensation Lewis Hamilton. 'The initial aim this season is to consolidate some finishes first and then build it up to push for podium finishes and hopefully the Rookie Cup,' said Jordan. 'This season is a learning curve for me and is a stepping stone to mounting a serious challenge for the championship in 2008. Lewis Hamilton's performances last week were an inspiration to us all. He has worked incredibly hard and I've no doubt he will be the next British world champion. I won't be giving up on my dream of competing alongside the best in the world until it's completely over. It's a privilege to be in this series and I can learn so much. It's a massive opportunity for the future on and off the track.' British motor racing legend Nigel Mansell believes Williams possesses the necessary ammunition to one day compete on the world stage alongside the likes of British duo Jenson Button and Hamilton. The Plymouth-born teenager, who lists German F1 legend Michael Schumacher as his ultimate sporting hero, will compete in 18 races during the season before hopefully turning his attentions to November's world final, finances permitting. There's no better stepping-stone for Jordan than this series, said Mansell. 'Rookie drivers get the perfect introduction into the world of motor sport and what is needed to progress. 'Having two seasons in this series is the perfect start to a successful career for any aspiring young driver and that includes Jordan. 'Lewis Hamilton's performances in F1 so far this season have lifted everybody in British motor sport — he's a great inspiration to the likes of Jordan. This may be a starter series but it's so important for all of the drivers' careers. Seeing the likes of Lewis Hamilton be given a chance should fill Jordan with hope. 'There are some very astute drivers involved in this competition and this year everybody will fancy their chances of winning the title.'
