Motor racing - Erickson dreaming of Formula One joy
3:07pm Thursday 30th July 2009 in Latest Sport News By Iain Liddle
Australian driver Daniel Erickson says he has finally adapted to his new country after claiming his first win of the season at Donnington Park.
The 21-year-old moved from Orangeville in Sydney to Bromham in February in a bid to fulfil of his dreams of racing in Formula One.
Currently competing in the MSA Formula Ford Championship, Erickson endured a difficult start to the season.
But after tasting his first victory, he is now keen to make his mark on the British circuit.
“I’ve improved in every race we’ve gone through,” he said.
“I had a bit of a bad start and didn’t perform as I would have liked to.
“It was hard being by myself and without my family. It was a bit of a culture shock.
“I achieved good things in Australia and now I’d like to do the same over here.”
In only his fifth race meeting on UK soil, Erickson achieved two podium finishes over the three days, finishing first, third and sixth.
The performance leaves the youngster, who races for Kevin Mills racing team in Gloucester, sixth in the drivers’ points table with four meetings still to race and dreams of a top-three finish.
Erickson has previously been named rookie of the year in the Australian state and national Formula Ford Championships and also achieved success in go kart racing in his youth.
“I’m really enjoying it in Wiltshire,” he said.
“It’s a nice, quiet little community which isn’t too different from where I’m from in Australia.”
Erickson is being supported by the Australian Motorsport Foundation and is on the verge of signing a deal with a Formula Three team.
“The plan is to be in Formula One in three-to-four years,” he said.
“I’ve always had a passion for motorsport. My father followed it but never had the opportunities but hopefully I can make it.”
