MOTORSPORT: Nathan Freke took the chance to go long-circuit testing at Donington Park in his new lightweight F1 kart.

There was an open day to allow karters to practice for the future European 250cc Superkart Championship and 125cc British Championship meetings.

On a dry circuit, Freke's new kart responded well, becoming faster with each session, until an electrical fault made an engine change necessary.

The Kidderminster driver was then able to test new wet tyres and they could give him an edge in the UK Cup meeting later this month.

Gearbox problems with Freke's Century Motorsport car mean he will miss a Star of the Midlands Formula Ford series race this weekend and instead head to a kart meeting in north Wales.