Luke Browning insists he wants to contend for the 2019 F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford EcoBoost title in his rookie campaign.

Browning – who claimed eight victories and a further ten podiums in Ginetta Juniors in 2018 – began his winter testing programme with the returning Richardson Racing outfit prior to the New Year and similarly expects the team to be fighting at the sharp end of the grid.

He also explained his decision to remain with the Corby-based squad, asserting that it “wouldn’t make sense” to step across to the Ford EcoBoost-powered category with anybody else.

“I see absolutely no reason why we shouldn’t be up at the front,” commented Browning.

“It’s a relatively similar handling style, it’s just getting used to the slicks and wings. It’s the same tracks, the team have been really fast in testing and know what they’re doing.

“These are the guys that have formed my career, the driver that I am, and it wouldn’t make sense to go with anyone else. They’re very good at what they do, very committed and a great team to be with. I’m sure we’re going to have a very successful year.”

Browning also believes confidence plays a crucial role in putting together a title challenge in British F4, with the championship hailed widely as the most competitive junior single-seater category of its kind worldwide.

“Definitely, you’ve got to have the belief there,” he explained.

“If the belief isn’t there, you’re not cut out for it really. You need to expect to be at the front and then back it up with something.

“I want to go out and get race wins. Nobody’s here – I’m not here, the team’s not here – to be paddling at the back. We’re here to go and get those victories.”

Browning also echoed the appraisal of several others in hailing Britain’s FIA-sanctioned Formula 4 series as the UK’s best platform for raising profile, with live ITV4 television coverage, capacity crowds and coverage in the leading motorsport press all part and parcel of each event on the TOCA package.

“It’s the best paddock to be in, in terms of media and TV. I’ve had an introduction to that in Ginetta Juniors and just to carry that on and be on the biggest stage in Britain is awesome.”

The new season begins at Brands Hatch over the weekend of 6th-7th April.