WINTERBOURNE DOWN racing driver Scott Jenkins is going to race in Italy for the 2009 season.

The 17-year-old competed in the UK Formula Renault Championships last season and is now set to drive in the Italian version.

Jenkins was in talks with teams in the UK but it proved too expensive as he has to pay them money towards the car in order to compete in the championships, with the better teams setting higher budgets.

He then went over to Italy with a friend and got in touch with Intrepid - the team who he enjoyed success with in go-karting by winning two British Championships before making the step up to single seat cars.

As Jenkins was part of their development programme he can race for their team in the Formula Renault 2.0 Italia for very little cost, so he will now travel to Italy for each race.

He has missed the first round in Monza but hopes to be competing in the next race at Veranna in May with his sights set on challenging for the title.

“I would like to win it but it’s going to be hard after missing a round already,” said Jenkins.

“I’ve got a good year’s experience behind me so I should do ok.”

“I went testing in Monza and I was as quick as the person who finished third there.”