MARK Wakefield believes the forthcoming MINI Challenge UK campaign will be one in which he can realise his true potential.

And his home circuit Oulton Park, which hosts the series’ opening round this weekend, is a perfect place to start.

The 19-year-old has reason to be optimistic too ahead of a fourth year in the championship, his first as part of a team.

“I’m expecting it to make a big difference,” he said.

“From the moment I started racing in karts, I did it as part of a dad and lad combination.

“That’s always worked out pretty well, but I’m ready now to make the next step.

“My dad’s probably earned a rest as well!”

Wakefield will again pilot a new F56 JCW model, which will be prepared for him by Norfolk-based Excelr8 Motorsport.

His car is one of 32 that will line up on a capacity grid for two races on Monday afternoon.

“I’m at that point where I can’t wait to get started,” said Wakefield, who lives in Weaverham.

“We’ve set aside some time for testing on a couple of days at the end of this week, and that will be important because we’ve not done as much work as we’d have liked.

“I had a test at Oulton Park last month, but for various reasons out of our control we only managed about a dozen laps – it was really frustrating.

“I’m still feeling confident though. It’s my home track, and I’ve always been quick around there.”

Wakefield classified 10th in the drivers’ standings in 2016.

However he told the Guardian his target this time around is to break into the top six before becoming a regular challenger for a podium place.

“Last year was tough,” he added.

“I needed time to get used to the extra power of the new car. It has a sequential gearbox as well, which I had to adapt to.

“I learned a lot, and it will help me this time around.”

The MINI Challenge UK races provide support to co-headlining British GT Championship and British F3 Championship.

If you can’t make it to Oulton Park, then the races will be broadcast for free live on television on Monday.

Digital channel Front Runner has agreed a deal with the series’ organisers to beam the action from six of the eight rounds during 2017.

Want to catch Mark in action this weekend? Here’s what you need to know:

Timetable

MINI Challenge UK

Saturday, April 15

Qualifying 1440-1515

Monday, April 17

Race one (20 minutes) 1225-1245

Race two (20 minutes) 1645-1705

Admission

Saturday, April 15

Adults £15

Under 13s Free

Monday, April 17

Adults £25

Under 13s Free

Television schedule

Monday, April 17

Front Runner (Freeview Ch. 91 or SKY Ch.468) 1045-1400 and 1500-1715