Technical issues denied Alex Fores of a dream start to his Formula Ford Career after the Marlow youngster produced a superb display at Brands Hatch.

Fores’ pace was too much for his rival drivers to deal with and he would surely have won the race but for issues with his rear suspension and gearbox.

The signs that he was set to star throughout the race weekend were evident from as early as free practice as Fores came within 0.3 seconds of setting a lap record.

That return came from just 12 laps before the first issue of the weekend occurred when his gearbox gave out.

Some efficient work in the garage got the car back in working order in time for qualifying and again Fores dominated to secure pole position with just four flying laps.

Suspension problems meant he missed the majority of the session, but nobody could get near his time and he started Saturday’s race at the front of the grid.

His place in the race was still in doubt though and rapid repairs using parts borrowed from friend Jock Rogerson were needed to get Fores’ car on the track.

A fine getaway saw the 16-year-old set a rapid early pace and build an imposing four second lead inside the first lap.

The saying goes that bad luck comes in threes though and Fores was about to fall victim to his third car failure of the weekend.

This third breakdown ended Fores’ race, allowed an increasingly likely looking victory to slip through his grasp and saw the weekend conclude on a sour note.

Nonetheless, Fores will be buoyed by the ease with which he has taken to the new format of racing and will take confidence into the remainder of the campaign.

His place in the next meet at Donington Park in three weeks’ time is in doubt, however, with over £3,000 of repairs needed to be carried out on his car.

He is therefore on the lookout for further sponsorship to help his budding career flourish.

If you are interested in sponsoring him contact Richard Fores on 07949489815 or email rforesrj@aol.com.