Making your debut in senior single seater racing would present a daunting challenge for even the most experienced of drivers.

For Marlow’s Alex Fores that test is even steeper as he takes his bow in the Formula Ford series at Brands Hatch on Saturday.

At 16 he will be among the youngest drivers at the famous circuit, but is approaching the race with the same determined focus which has formed the central theme of his fledgling career.

“It is a different kind of racing than I am used to. There is less contact allowed, it is faster and you are racing on slick tyres as well,” he explained.

“I will be one of the youngest in the field and there will be drivers out there who have a lot more experience than I do,” he explained.

“I have only been racing for a couple of years and it will be a challenge to compete with the older drivers but I am up for it.”

The teenager’s confidence is grounded in success throughout his racing career, which includes stints in karting and on the Junior Touring Car Championship.

Continuing to achieve at Formula Ford level comes at a cost though, often as much as £2,000 per race weekend.

Fores is, therefore, hugely grateful to Dave Bromfield whose engineering company has supported him and will sponsor his car on Saturday.

He also understands the importance of attracting further sponsorship and is viewing his appearance in front of a big Brands Hatch crowd as an opportunity to impress.

“The target, because testing has gone so well, is to finish as high up the standings as possible and aim for a podium, but I want to make sure I enjoy it,” Fores said.

“I am excited about it rather than nervous. I am sure some nerves will creep in, but at the moment I am just looking forward to racing in front of the Brands Hatch crowd.

“The attention I can get from doing well at Brands Hatch can help me to get sponsors and that is important in trying to reach my goal for next year.”

Strong previous showings at Brands Hatch’s shorter circuit in the past, including a third place podium finish, suggests Fores has the pedigree to deliver at the Kent track.

He harbours ambitions of competing in Formula Three next year and hopes to find a route into some form of professional driving further down the line.

He said: “Becoming a professional driver is the first goal before thinking about what sort racing I want to compete in.

“There are so many choices and I want to make it as a professional, whether that is in F1 or something else.”