IT'S high-octane, adrenalin-fuelled and noisy - enough to raise temperatures and the hairs on the back of your neck.

No, I'm not talking about Blackpool Pleasure Beach's Big One. There's no rails on the track at Oulton Park motor racing circuit, although I'm sure the drivers would appreciate some.

Next weekend the Formula Three bandwagon will roll into Cheshire for a clash of international talent at one of the country's most picturesque motor racing venues.

The late Ayrton Senna's won it, so has Jan Magnussen. Martin Brundle came close, so did David Coultard. The Autosport British Formula Three Championship is the world renowned stepping stone to Formula One and the pinnacle of motor racing.

And, thanks to a small change in engine regulations, the cars are quicker, giving a new impetus to this year's Formula Three Championships.

But it's not just the fresh crop of potential Sennas and Schumachers that visit Oulton Park to see. Tucked away near Tarporley, the grounds surrounding the circuit are worthy of a day out alone, with rolling greenery, woodland and floral displays.

There's places to picnic, for the children to play and, if you're really lazy, somewhere to sunbathe!

But, on a more serious note, the event is a chance for the women to prove their worth. DC Cook Motorsport, part of the north east-based DC Cook car group, are one of the more high-profile teams and they have none other than Britain's leading female racer Paula Cook in their hot seat.

Her colleague Guy Smith said: "Oulton's a real cracker of a circuit. Not only is it the most picturesque place we visit in the country, it provides some breath-taking races." The weekend's seventh round races come after a four-week break in the motorsport calendar.

Paula said: "We seem to have been on the go seven days a week since February. This little sojourn gives us all time to take account of what has happened so far and how to do better."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.