King turns down F3 to concentrate on Europe

Having duly served his single-seater apprenticeship, the Stoneleigh-based BRDC Rising Star admits he was tempted by flattering offers from teams eager to run him further up the ladder in GP3 and Formula 3.

However, King resolved that in only his second season out of karts, the best approach would be to remain in Formula Renault, albeit this time raising the bar with a full-scale assault on both the Northern European Cup and the fiercely-contested Eurocup.

There, the Princethorpe College A-Level student will pit himself directly against no fewer than 33 international adversaries of the very highest calibre around circuits including Paul Ricard, Hungaroring, Catalunya and the legendary Nürburging and Spa-Francorchamps, some of which will be uncharted territory.

With Manor Competition and MP Motorsport having joined forces, he will at least be in familiar surroundings and he is excited about the challenge that lies ahead.

“I’m really looking forward to it all,” said King. “Having been to some of the tracks before - and having been quick around them - is a massive confidence boost.

“I know all the Manor guys well, of course, and also got to know the MP Motorsport boys during the few races I did with them last year. There’s no need to build new relationships, and both crews are a great bunch of lads.

“Going to Europe is definitely the best way to advance my career. There’s no question in my mind that it’s the right move now - the logical next step. You need to be constantly pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone - that’s what it’s all about.”