A wealth of young British-based drivers are set for the biggest race of their lives this weekend – following in the footsteps of some of the most famous names in Formula 1 folklore.
Will Buller, Jack Harvey, Alex Lynn, Harry Tincknell, Alexander Sims and Mitchell Gilbert take their places in the Macau Formula 3 Grand Prix in China, battling against the very best drivers F3 has to offer from around the world.
The event is seen as a springboard onto bigger and better things - and the race all young drivers are keen to do well in.
Sixteen of this year’s 24 Formula 1 drivers have competed in it, with Jenson Button finishing second back in 1999 and Michael Schumacher winning it 22 years ago.
But the list of former drivers to have entered reads like a “Who’s Who” of F1 greats, with Ayrton Senna, David Coulthard and even Lewis Hamilton winning or taking part early in their careers.
Despite the enormity of the occasion, ADD Motorsports supported driver Mitch Gilbert is one who isn’t fazed, instead seeing it as the perfect opportunity to showcase his talent after recently signing with top outfit Mücke Motorsport.
The 18-year-old Australian-born driver - now living in Twickenham - said: “When you look at some of the names who have driven in this race it’s exciting to think I’ll be there.
“But I’m approaching it like any other normal race. It’s the biggest thing I’ve ever done and my first road race, but I’m looking forward to it.
“If you do well here, it doesn’t go unnoticed. I want to qualify in the Top 10 and I think it’s achievable if I race to the best of my ability.”
The Guia street circuit is recognized as one of the most demanding in the world, with long fast straights and sharp twisting corners.
But after a successful debut season in the German Formula Three Championship, where he picked up a series of podium results and wins on his way to fourth place in the title race and runner-up in the rookie cup, Gilbert goes in to the race with no fear.
“Experience counts during this race because it’s such a tough course, but I’ve learned from my mistakes early this season and got them out of the way now so I’m looking forward to seeing what I can do.
“I’m looking forward to the hardest challenge I’ve faced so far.”
For the British-based drivers, doing well in Macau can give them the platform they crave and the boost up to the heady heights of Formula 1 and superstardom they’ve been dreaming of for so long.