Essex racing champion Lochlan Bearman will make his debut in the Ford Fiesta Championship at Snetterton on Sunday.

The 14-year-old, who has won five karting championships, is making the move to full circuits in the 130mph Fiesta.

Bearman said: “It’s a massive jump. I’ve got to learn the circuits which seem massive compared to kart tracks, but most significant is the difference between a kart and a car.

"The speed is not much of a difference but the dynamics are entirely different.

"The car is heavy, it rolls in the corners where a kart doesn’t, you need to use gears and engine braking and it’s all about keeping the momentum. The Fiesta is also front wheel drive which has been an interesting challenge as I’ve been used to rear wheel drive.

"Also setting up a car is completely alien to what I understand from the karting so it’s a very steep learning curve."

The Fiesta Championship is held over eight rounds with two races at each covering circuits such as Silverstone and Brands Hatch.

Bearman said: "I’ve now had three test sessions and I learn more every time I’m in the car and the speed is coming.

"I’m going to be up against drivers who are experienced in the championship already, and up to 17 years old but I am confident in my own ability and if I can get time in the car I feel it will only be a matter of time before I am at the front."