Victorian young gun Tim Blanchard took another step toward realising his 2009 dream when he got the call up to test with British Formula 3 team Fortec Motorsport late last week.

The leading single seater category in the UK, Blanchard hopes to continue his stint overseas into 2009 with a drive in the British Formula 3 Championship next year after completing the British Formula Ford Championship this year, where he is currently placed second with two rounds remaining.

A call from Fortec Team Manager Mick Kouros last Tuesday had Blanchard at the Fortec workshop for a seat fitting that afternoon in preparation for a Thursday test at Wales' Pembury circuit, and Blanchard didn't disappoint in his first F3 outing.

"It all came about very quickly and I jumped at the chance to test with Fortec when I got the call on Tuesday," said Blanchard.

"I was quite happy with the way I went, they are a fantastic outfit and in a perfect world I'd like to race F3 with Fortec next year.

"We'll just have to wait and see what happens, there are still some hurdles to jump in relation to a bit of a gap in the budget so I'm hoping we can sort something out soon.

"It was the most physically demanding session I have ever done, 120 laps really took its toll in comparison to driving a Formula Ford.

"It was a fantastic experience, and a huge opportunity to get a feel for the cars."

Fortec were equally impressed with Blanchard with both parties clearly keen on a 2009 partnership if a deal can be struck.

"Tim did an outstanding job, when we weigh up the fact he hasn't even been to Pembury before and that he hasn't driven one of the cars prior to last Thursday his times were quite remarkable," said Fortec Team Manager Mick Kouros.

"He was on old tyres and was only a second or so off the pace so we are definitely hopeful of some more funding coming on board so he can race with Fortec in 2009," said Kouros.

Blanchard continues his 2008 British Formula Ford campaign this weekend at Silverstone.