Thackwell all set for Ensign

Press, 23 April 1980, Page 42

Thackwell all set for Ensign

NZPA London The British Grand Prix team, Ensign, expects to sign the young New Zealand driver, Mike Thackwell, this week to drive for them in Formula One races. Thackwell will test drive the car at Zolder. Belgium, today before making his final decision. s However, the Ensign team manager, Mr Mo Nunn, said yesterday that Thackwell had already agreed to drive for them. “I think you could say it’s all going ahead and that we’re now just completing the small print,” he said. If Thackwell does sign, he will drive in the Belgian Grand Prix on May 4, thus becoming the youngest Grand Prix driver in history.

I “Nothing’s been finally deicided yet,” said Thackwell, .aged 19, yesterday. “But it I looks like I’ll be driving for i Ensign in the Belgian Grand iPrix. ■ I “I’m not in a position to Isay anything more until after the' test drive.” I If Thackwell does sign for jEnsign, he will continue his association with March in the European Formula Two championship. A spokesman for March Engineering said yesterday that they were prepared to release him for Grand Prix races while he continues as their Formula Two driver. “There’s a slight problem with clashing races, and if Mike is driving well in the European championships we expect he will give priority to us,” he said.