Sharpe put himself firmly in contention to challenge for a top-four place in the Formula Palmer Audi Championship, with two excellent drives at Brands Hatch at the weekend.

Seventh and eighth positions after some brave passing manoeuvres at speeds close to 140mph mean Oxford Brookes University student Sharpe, of Summertown, lies eighth in the standings, just four points off fifth place and 12 off fourth.

Two strong results at the world-famous Spa-Francorchamps Formula 1 circuit in Belgium this weekend (Aug 30/31) could elevate the 18-year-old to just outside the championship's top three.

Sharpe will also race for Morgan in a mammoth six-hour endurance round of the British GT series, with the Richard Thorne Motorsport team in their spectacular Morgan Aero 8.

He said: "It's going to be a very busy weekend, but will be the most exciting experience so far in my career as a racing driver. Spa isa circuit that every driver dreams of racing on."