Kent racer Jay Bridger is preparing to end his season on a high note when the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series arrives at Brands Hatch for the final round of the year this weekend.

After winning the British F3 National Class in 2008, Horsmonden-based Bridger has endured a difficult season.

The 21-year-old graduated to the International Class competition for 2009 with the Litespeed F3 team, which has not proved an easy move.

Jay Bridger said: "It’s been a really difficult season. At the start of the year, because of the financial climate, we had problems raising the budget required.

"Then French chassis maker Mygale offered me a good opportunity to drive one of their cars.

"It didn’t help turning up at Oulton Park at the start of the season not having done any testing in a completely new car.

"It took us a long time to iron out the teething problems and get the car to run properly. But we’ve worked hard on the car and it’s been getting better and better. We’ve been finishing in the top 10 regularly and doing a quite good job."

Bridger’s car has been the only regular Mygale challenger on a grid full of Dallara chassis, and it is powered not by a Volkswagen or Mercedes-Benz engine like the majority but by a Neil Brown Engineering-tuned Mugen Honda powerplant.

Despite testing times, Bridger is more than happy to be ending his season at Brands Hatch.

"It’s probably my favourite track, and I’ve won there in Formula Ford and in the Formula 3 National Class. I know it really well and we should go okay," he said.

"A lot of the tracks we go to seem to suit the Dallara better, but I think Brands should be all right for us. Hopefully we can get a good result; we should have the pace to get in the top six. Finishing that high would be like a win to us.

"It’s handy that it’s the last race of the season; it gives me a chance to end the season on a high note.

"There will be lots of friends and family down at Brands Hatch, sponsors coming to watch.

"I’ll be doing my best to put on a good show for them and try to get them encouraged for next year. Hopefully I’ll be back in the championship again in 2010. I’m talking to people and trying to put a deal together."

The British F3 International Series concludes in a double header meeting with the Avon Tyres British GT Championship, which will feature supercar marques including Ferrari, Porsche and Aston Martin.

Tickets for the British F3 and GT Championships at Brands Hatch this weekend (19/20 September) cost £12 on the gate on Saturday and £20 on Sunday for adults.

Entry is free for children aged 12 and under. For more information call 0870 950 9000 or visit www.brandshatch.co.uk