Kent racer Aaron Steele secures MSV F3 Cup Drive for 2011

Aaron Steele will be looking to hit the ground running in the newly launched MSV F3 Cup after securing a deal with Gray's Motorsport for the 2011 season.

22-year-old Steele from Rochester, Kent was nominated for the prestigious McLaren Autosport BRDC award in 2008 and has a strong track record in Formula 3 and previously took 3 wins, 5 poles and 4 fastest laps after contesting a part season in the Enterprise Edge F3 Series.

Talking about the deal Steele said: "I want to thank John Gray and my dad for putting the package together and giving me the opportunity to run a full season and keep my single-seater dream alive. Unlike previous seasons I can relax and look to build some consistency in my form as I know my drive is secure for the year."

The nine-round MSV F3 Cup kicks off on the weekend of 19/20 March at Snetterton on the new 'Snetterton 300' layout. The series visits Donington, Brands Hatch, Anglesey, Oulton Park and the calendar highlight of Spa Franchorchamps in June.

Kevin Steele (manager/father) explained how the deal came together: "The deal with Gray's came out of the blue, once MSV F3 Cup was born John Gray contacted me to say 'we should do this and we want to do it with Aaron'

"It's just absolutely amazing knowing that Aaron's drive is secure for the full season, a luxury he has never enjoyed. He can now concentrate on the job not having to drive every race and every lap like it could be his last.

The MSV F3 Cup will only go one way, up! There really is a place for this series, the F2 test is naturally the goal, as it just may help Aaron get to where he needs to be, but that does not distract from the job ahead as this series will only get stronger & stronger.

"As dad I have always been in despair, seeing Aaron having to sit on the side-lines and not being given the opportunity he so deserves, I personally cannot thank Gray's Motorsport enough for giving him this chance."

The full 2011 calendar for MSV F3 Cup is:

19-20 March                  Snetterton 300

02-03 April                     Donington Park

02 May                           Snetterton 300

10-12 June                      Spa Francorchamps

16-17 July                       Brands Hatch Indy

20-21 August                   Brands Hatch GP

10-11 September             Anglesey International

30-01 October                 TBC

22 October                       Oulton Park International

The winner of the Formula Two test drive will also receive two sets of tyres for use at the test from Avon Tyres Motorsport.