Wayne Ryan is setting his sights high after winning a place in Spanish team Calvo for the 2014 FIM CEV Repsol International Moto3 Championship.

The 17-year-old apprentice electrican from Littlestone is a product of the Racing Steps Foundation, a private, not-for-profit organisation that provides and finances competition and performance development programme for an elite group of British single-seater drivers, karters and motorcycle racers.

Set-up in 2007, they provide backing for those who have shown the talent and determination to get to the top, but lack the funds and mentoring needed to get there.

The 2011 BSB 125GP champion finished ninth in the 250cc series last year as a member of the British KRP squad, riding an M3-02, Honda powered machine.

Ryan, who returns to the Spanish series for a third season, will also compete in the single-round FIM European Championship and hopes to earn one or more world championship wild cards.

He said: “This is a big step for me that I’m really excited about,”
“I’ve served my apprenticeship in the series over the last two years so the goal now has to be regular podium finishes.

“This year there can be no such excuses. The Racing Steps Foundation has signed me up with a top team on a top bike, so there can only be one target - and that’s to win the title.”

Calvo team manager Pablo Nieto added: “It is a privilege and a pleasure to be working with one of the Racing Steps Foundation’s riders. Wayne is a great talent so together I think we can achieve some fantastic results in 2014."