Formula One fan Mike Bodnar has made it through to the initial round of the 2003 Exchange and Mart F1 Drivers' Challenge.

More than 3,500 people applied for the chance to win a Tyrrell F1 drive in the Thoroughbred Grand Prix at Monza, Italy, in May.

Only 1,000 have been chosen for the initial fitness test which takes place in Worcester on Tuesday and from there 250 will be selected for round two.

Numbers will continue to be whittled down through a series of races until there is one winner.

From the 250 people in round two, the karting round, 60 will progress to a Saloon Cars round, then 12 to Single Seaters, six to Formula 3 and three to a Formula One test at Silverstone before the winner emerges.

Bodnar, from Findon Valley, Worthing, has a background in racing but does not hold a current racing licence.

He has been the McLaren driver of the year and the Jordan driver of the year runner-up. With his past performance and present kart driving experience his hopes are high.

The 39-year-old said: "I haven't raced for a few years now, so I don't hold a current licence.

"That is one of the main restrictions - you must not hold a current licence.

"The karting I have been doing is good competition but it is not a recognised organisation. It is a great opportunity and I don't want to miss it. It is a shame it didn't come up a few years ago."

The Thoroughbred Grand Prix Championship is held throughout Europe with previous Formula One cars that are not up to date competing in different classes.

The Exchange and Mart Mart F1 Drivers' Challenge will enjoy television exposure on Channel 5 in the summer.