THE AGREEMENT

LANCASTER AND BIREL STICK TOGETHER IN 2006

AFTER THE EXCELLENT 2005 SEASON, THE ENGLISH DRIVER EXTENDED HIS CONTRACT WITH THE LISSONE-BASED MANUFACTURER FOR ANOTHER YEAR.

Jon Lancaster and Birel Motorsport announce the extension of their collaboration agreement for another year. After the positive 2005 season, which saw the English driver always at the top of the Formula A (3rd in the European and 2nd in the World Championships), the Birel management decided to rely on him also for the next racing season. Lancaster was also on the short list for directly switching over to motor car racing, but his staff deemed it better for him to focus one more year on karting: the official aim is to complete his training the best possible way and seize some absolute victories at international level. Obviously, this decision was also influenced by the high competitiveness of the Motorsport team, which will ensure the promising young Englishman basks in the limelight in the 2006 season. Lancaster has grown up in the Birel breeding ground, first with the English importer Acr, and then with the official team. Thanks to the experience gained at international level and his undisputed talent, he is one of the strongest drivers of these past few years. From an objective point of view, his first season in Formula A has been beyond any expectation, and next year he is going to be one of the leading actors of the most prestigious events. His schedule will once more include the Italian Open Championship, the European and World Championships, and most probably also the Suzuka race at the end of the season. Jon Lancaster comments his contract renewal: “ together with my family we deemed it better not to shoot ahead, and run another season in the karting sector. This decision will help me to gain some further experience and, as I hope, to reap also an important success, which I came very close to in the past season, in both the European and World Championships. I grew up as a racer with Birel, and it is with Birel that I would like to win some significant title: this is going to be my main goal for next year. Therefore, the contract extension is a natural consequence. At Birel’s, I found high professional skills and an ideal environment. I have the luck of racing for an important manufacturer and I will make the most of this opportunity.” The comment of Gianluca Beggio (Birel Team Manager) is very positive, too: “ Lancaster is a naturally talented driver, and he represents for Birel an opportunity to put to good account. Our task is to secure him an excellent technical support and a serene environment. The significant experience he has gained this year in FA will enable him soon to win. And we are ready to bet on him in the future also in relation to a successful career in the car racing sector.”