Chatham racer Aaron Steele has been handed the rookie drive for next weekend’s penultimate round of the A1 GP at Brands Hatch.

Steele (pictured) has been unable to secure a place in any driving championship this season due to lack of finances but now has an opportunity in one of the world’s biggest motor racing events.

The 20-year-old has been chosen to support the GB team’s regular driver and an impressive outing in next Friday’s test session could even catapult the youngster onto the starting grid for the showpiece event.

His father Kevin said: “It’s mega for him and he’s just got to milk it now.

“There is every opportunity that he could drive on the Friday and do such a fantastic job that he gets the nod to race.

“If he secured a race seat it would be awesome and he knows that he could make a name for himself in 10 minutes or just as easily destroy his name. He’s just got to go and do the best job he can.

“I’ve explored the world trying to get him into something this season but ultimately he needs money.

“He’s got this invite now and it could lead to anything.”

Former Champ Car driver Dan Clarke held the senior race seat last time out in Portugal and he is expected to be Steele’s teammate for the British round of the championship.

In 2005 Steele won a scholarship with BMW and last year was a finalist in the prestigious Mclaren Autosport BRDC Awards.