Ex-Formula One champion Damon Hill was on hand at Silverstone yesterday as Cambridge University student Oliver Turvey was awarded the first ever Cambridge Blue for motor Sport.

The Extraordinary Full Blue was presented to the 21-year-old racing driver and Fitzwilliam College engineering undergraduate by Secretary of the University Men's Blues Committee, Dr John Little.

The presentation took place in the British Racing Drivers' Club.

Turvey - funded by the not-for-profit Racing Steps Foundation - currently lies third in the British F3 International Championship and is to be weighed up later in the year for a drive in an F1 feeder series.

He said: "I'm immensely proud to be receiving this award. It's a huge honour for me personally, long overdue recognition for motorsport generally and is a welcome reflection of the tremendous support I've received over the years from so many people."

The fourth year undergraduate, who has successfully juggled university and racing commitments throughout the year, added: "It's been an extraordinary year for me in more ways than one.

"The Racing Steps Foundation stepped in and saved my racing career with a fully-funded drive with Carlin Motorsport, the most successful team in F3. I've come through my third year at university successfully. And now I'm a Full Blue.

"The plan now is to cap it off with the F3 Championship."

Turvey - who so far this season has raced to eight podium finishes including two wins - will turn his attention back to the championship immediately after receiving his Blue. Rounds 17 and 18 of the 2008 campaign take place at Silverstone on Saturday.

Dr John Little, Secretary of the Cambridge University Men's Blues Committee, said: "We judged Oliver's outstanding achievements on the race track to be wholly worthy of this, the first ever Full Blue for motor sport."

The RSF driver's achievements have also caught the eye of BRDC President and 1996 F1 World Champion Damon Hill who attended the presentation.

His award has also been recognised on his car, which features a special Racing Blue crest, incorporating both Cambridge blue and elements of the University’s crest.
 

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