Christodoulou out to beat crunch

Christodoulou had nine podium finishes in 2008

Sutton Coldfield racing driver Riki Christodoulou says he is determined not to let the current economic climate affect the development of his career.

The 20-year-old finished fifth in last year's Formula Renault UK Championship and is debating whether to graduate to Formula 3 or the Renault World Series.

"Funding is obviously harder to come by with many companies cutting back," Christodoulou said.

"All I can do is remain totally focussed and continue to work hard."

Christodoulou will be back on the track in either April or May - depending on which Championship he enters - and he says he expects the time to go quickly.

"I've been writing and circulating sponsorship proposals and setting up meetings. It's been non-stop but that's the way it has to be, especially in today's financial climate.

"Ideally I want to get everything agreed next month. That way I can concentrate on the year ahead," he said.