Carlo Vettese from Surbiton, Surrey has become a rally driver after winning the inaugural 2007 Silverstone Rally School Rally Quest scholarship on Tuesday (11 December).

The 39-year-old, who is an executive director at JP Morgan, beat-off stiff competition from nine other hopefuls at the Rally Quest Grand Final held at Silverstone Rally School to be the winner of the exclusive sponsorship prize worth thousands of pounds.

Rally Quest was launched this year following the success of the popular Lady Quest scholarship, a talent search for the next female rally-driving star.

Rally Quest is designed just for men who have everyday jobs and no previous motorsport experience and following a series of assessment days throughout the year, the top 10 go head to head at the Grand Final to win the unique opportunity of becoming a rally driver.

Vettese, who enjoys clay pigeon shooting, photography and skiing, will now go on to obtain his Motor Sports Association (MSA) competition licence and compete in up to six rallies all over the country in 2008 in a 1400cc MG ZR rally car with full support and training from Silverstone Rally School.

“It feels fantastic to win. When I found out that I had made it to the final I began making preparations,” Vettese said. “I worked hard on various aspects like fitness, learning about mechanics, I went to a rally and joined my motor club amongst other things. Thankfully it paid off and it feels much more rewarding that I won.

“I thought I had it in me to win, I have a passion for driving and I knew I had the potential. The assessment day was a bit of fun but when I knew I’d got into the final and had the chance to win the scholarship, I had to grab it. 

“The final was tight but my preparation helped and now I want to get credible results in the rallies I do but out of the car I also want to make new friends, help build awareness of Rally Quest and be an ambassador for Silverstone Rally School. I’m really looking forward to this opportunity.”

Vettese, who is also a doctor of electronic engineering, came out top after a day of driving challenges that also included a timed run against the clock, an interview with a panel of three including rally driver Shelly Taunt and Veronica Taunt, and other initiative tasks including a timed wheel change, car manoeuvring and a forest run at the Grand Final with the winner being announced by British Rally Masters champion Shelly Taunt.

Silverstone Rally School Director David Taunt said: “It was an exciting final. All the finalists showed such a high standard of skill and it was tough to pick the winner. The competition was close but we’re pleased to announce that Carlo is our first-ever Rally Quest winner.

“We’re now looking forward to working with Carlo over the next season and to developing his skills as a rally driver.”