Twickenham-based driver Mitchell Gilbert believes he is in perfect shape for his FIA Formula 3 European Championship debut.

The ADD Motorsports racer has been hitting the gym in preparation for the step up in what will also be his first full season with German-outfit Mücke Motorsport.

And with a new engineer on board he believes will help him reach his potential, he can’t wait for the season to get underway.

The 18-year-old from Australia said: “I never used to enjoy the training side of things but I have been really getting into it and I love the feeling you get after you’ve trained hard now.

“I put a bit of weight on over the winter – I blame the cold weather here in Britain, it makes me want to eat.

“But I’ve put the work in and been doing weights and circuits and I’m in better shape now than I was before.

“I also have a new engineer who I feel is a better fit for me and it’s a real positive step forward.

“All in all it feels as though I’m in great shape all round.”

Mitchell picked up a series of podium results in a successful debut season in the German Formula Three Championship. He finished fourth in the title race and runner up in the rookie cup.

His brilliant form saw him sign with Mücke Motorsport and he now heads into the 2013 season full of confidence but aware of the tough challenge ahead.

He added: “The grid is so big and I’ll be driving against the best drivers out there.

“Six out of seven of the top drivers stayed in the same championship which never happens, normally they move on and forward.

“So it shows the enormity of the challenge, it’s going to be really strong and tough.

“But what I’m aiming for in this first season is to be the first and best rookie out there and that’s something we think is very achievable.”

Mitchell will be testing in Barcelona this weekend, with his first race in Monza on the weekend of the March 22.

He added: “It feels like I haven’t raced competitively for ages and I’m really excited about this new chapter – I can’t wait to get going.”