Walker says he is ready and confident for the 2008 season

Jersey racing driver James Walker says he is confident that he is ready for the challenge of the 2008 World Series by Renault season.

He has been preparing for the weekend's races at Monza by training in Spain with his Fortec team and says the 2008 car is better than last year's.

"We've had three days testing in Barcelona and the car's certainly a lot nicer to drive," Walker said.

"I'm pretty confident that I'm fit enough," he told BBC Radio Jersey.

And the 24-year-old says the demands on his body from the 2008 car are more than last season.

"It's a little bit more physical because of the greater down force we're carrying this year so that's going to separate the men from the boys."

It will be Walker's second season in the World Series, the equivalent to Formula 3000.

Last season he got his first win in the competition, taking the chequered flag in the second race at Donington Park.

As well as Monza, this year's World Series will take in several Formula One circuits including Spa, Silverstone and the Nurburgring.