KNARESBOROUGH driver Darren Manning is gearing up for the next round of the Formula 3000 series in Hockenheim and hopes the overtaking opportunities the circuit offers will put him firmly up-front this weekend.

The 25-year-old Arden International front-runner has achieved good results while testing at the circuit this year.

He said: "The test went well there - I was third fastest, having narrowly missed out on second.

"The circuit's high speed and the low downforce configuration of the car means there are many overtaking opportunities, which I'm hoping I'll be able to take advantage of."

Manning's last race, at his home circuit at Silverstone, saw him finish in sixth place - a disappointing result for the North Yorkshire speedster who was destined for a strong points finish.

"About ten laps into the race I developed a problem with the front uprights which affected the steering, and then a bit later the clutch went.

"In the circumstances, I was pleased to have been able to get the car to the chequered flag and gain another valuable championship point, but would have liked to have finished higher," said Manning.

"The mechanical problems have now been sorted, and we had a positive test session in Spa last week, so it's all boding well for this weekend.

"I'm really looking forward to the race - we're nearing the end of the season, so it really is my chance to build on the points I have gained so far, and hopefully increase my chances of moving up in the championship."

The Hockenheim track was originally built for testing Mercedes cars, but is now one of the fastest circuits on the Grand Prix calendar.

The circuit has two distinct sections - the stadium complex, with the track winding in front of the massive grandstands, and then the very fast section through the forest.

The best thing about the circuit is that overtaking is easier than at most other circuits, and it also gives the drivers a chance to take their cars to the maximum.

After Germany, Manning's next race in the F3000 series will be in Hungary on August 18.

Updated: 12:33 Friday, July 27, 2001