Esmee Hawkey is looking forward to making the move from karting to the Ginetta Junior Championship during the 2014 season.

The 16 year old from Bromley will initially test the car in the early rounds of the season before moving into racing her new machine for the final three rounds of the season. Whilst testing and racing her Ginetta Esmee will continue in her final season of the Easykart series.

Speaking exclusively to Kent Sports News about why she made the move to Ginetta, Esmee said: “Ginetta sponsored Easykart, which I raced in last year, and they offered a free entry into the Ginetta Scholarship for the driver who showed the most promise throughout the season.

“Fortunately, this was me! When I arrived at the Scholarship and drove the car, I knew it was for me. Also, the fact that Ginetta Junior is on the TOCA package alongside Touring cars was a big plus.”

The relationship between Easykart and Ginetta played a major factor in Esmee’s decision for the next steps in her career.

She added: “Yes, for sure, without Easykart and Ginetta I would never have had this opportunity. Ginetta and Easykart were so helpful and accommodating in putting the deal together, that it made the decision so easy.”

It wasn’t a hard decision in the end for Hawkey and she doesn’t think there is any pressure on her as the first racer to make the transition.

“No, not really. I have always preferred sports cars over single seaters and my goal was always to drive a touring car in the BTCC.

“I don’t think so. We have set a two year programme and Ginetta and Easykart are fully aware of the challenges ahead. I don’t want to run before I can walk and I will build up progressively with a view to challenging for the title in 2015.”

Esmee will be testing the Ginetta and did so last week and loved the experience of racing on her home track.

She said: “I tested the car for the first time last week at Brands Hatch Indy circuit. It went really well and I loved the track with all its undulations. I have only ever driven at Bedford Autodrome which is completed flat with wide run offs.

“Driving at Brands Hatch was my first experience of a proper race track. I will be testing there again at the first round but racing there at the last round will be a fantastic experience, especially as it’s on the full GP circuit.”

Esmee will have a busy year this year as she continues to race in the Easykart series before moving to Ginetta fulltime in 2015.

She added: “Yes, we will be very busy this year but I love the Easykart series. I have made a lot of friends there and it will be my last year of Junior karting so I didn’t want to miss out!”

With AMD Tuning supporting Esmee for the coming season she will be aiming to learn as much as possible from an experienced team.

“Being AmD’s junior driver and being run by such an experienced team is a dream come true. I have tested with them and I felt at home straight away. I will have AmD’s driver coach with me for the whole season which will be invaluable.

“I will also be sitting in on all driver briefings which will help in my technical understanding of the car. I will also be visiting the AmD factory to gain as much understanding and knowledge as possible.”