Doncaster mechanic set to take on Grand Prix legends Jean Alesi and Rene Arnoux in F1 car around Monaco GP circuit

The 45-year-old who runs Jock Sergison’s garage in Hyde Park has been given a place to drive a Formula One car round the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit in a race that will pit him against some legendary names from the sport.

The Doncaster-born businessman has been racing since 1993 and runs the Avit motorsport racing team alongside his day job with the garage on Nelson Street.

Ewen has been given a place in the historic grand prix cars event which will run from April 23 to April 25, before the main grand prix is held later in the year, in May.

He is due to drive in two races in cars that he has worked on, one featuring cars from the 1930s and one from the 1970s.

The 1930s race will see him in a 1936 Maserati 36CM. The 1970s race will see him in a 1973 Graham Hill Shadow DN1 Formula One car. His races also include the big name ex-Formula One drivers Pastor Maldonado, Jean Alesi, and Rene Arnoux.

Ewen admits that racing the 1930s car is dangerous, but is excited about driving on the circuit, which is around the streets of Monaco.

He said: “I’ve won races in the Maserati, but I’ve never driven a Formula One car.

"The Maserati has no seat belts, and you’re essentially sitting on an office chair with 150 litres of methanol under you.

“Driving an F1 car will be a different kettle of fish to anything I’ve done before, but I’ve driven everything up to that. I’m pretty sure I can do it.

"I think I’m going to cry all weekend when I get to Monaco, because it will be so emotional. It’s the worst circuit in the world, but it’s majestic. I know people who have walked round the route of the track in tears.

"My customers have paid to enter their cars, but they don’t want to drive them themselves, so they want me to do it for them.

“With the Maserati, I’ve always said I worry in the assembly area beforehand. Doing this is the best job in the world, but it could all end in one go.

“But I’ve raced all my life and always said no one’s built a car that would scare me, although the first time I saw the Maserati, I looked down and thought it could. But when you get out there you just forget about that.

"The scary bit is when you see the video afterwards, and see yourself leaning out and the flames coming out at the back, and you think 'that was me?' – I can’t believe I did that.

"The Formula One cars are a lot safer.”

He and the other drivers are allowed to travel after being given elite sportsman status to take part in the races. Ewen has won championships in Formula Ford motor racing in the past.

His races are expected to be shown on television and streamed online.

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