Alex Lynn is well aware that 2016 could be the most significant year of his motorsport career.

The 22-year-old driver from Dunmow will be competing in the GP2 Series for a second year and knows it could potentially pave the way for the move that he dreams of into a Formula One race seat.

Having headed into 2015 as reigning GP3 Series champion and as the Williams Martini Racing F1 team’s development driver Lynn was disappointed with his rookie year in GP2.

He admits that he made mistakes as he finished sixth in the overall standings, but has agreed a deal that will keep him with the DAMS Racing team in GP2 next season and is confident that the experience he gained last year will set him on the right track for 2016 glory.

“I believe it is the key year for me,” he said.

“No matter what motorsport arena I’m in, whether it’s F1 or anything, next year will be the one to put myself in the shop window to prove that I’m able to deliver.

“Every year is the big one, but that really is the case for me this year – it is the big one.

“I’m focused on GP2 to put myself in the shop window and I’ll see what things open up for me.

“There’s pressure with that, but I like it to be honest as it makes me feel quite confident.

“I’m back with the (DAMS) team for a second year and that is a big confidence boost.

“You take energy from other people and a winning mentality is something that they have got.

“I think we feed off each other.

“If we focus on the process, then I firmly believe that we’ll be hard to beat.

“Staying with DAMS will be a big thing for me as we can continue the relationship and I really think that’s worth a lot of lap time.

“So it’s a real positive for me.

“The experience of having had a year in the team gives me a lot of confidence and that is what we will try to build on.

“I’ll be looking to have a good off season with a bit of down time over Christmas and then build some real intensity working with the team.

“We have a road map in place and my mantra will be ‘focus on the process’.

“Experience is huge in GP2 and it really is true that no matter how fast you are, you have to have everything under control to be able to win races.

“You have to have absolutely everything, like tyres and strategy, all in order to be able to win.”

Lynn would also love to have the chance to further his relationship with the Williams Martini F1 team in 2016.

He said he felt the work he carried out for them in his role as development driver helped towards the team’s third-place finish in the Formula One constructors’ championship.

“I have had really positive feedback and built up positive relationships with key members of the team,” added Lynn.

“I think I contributed a fair amount to the team’s success last year and I’d love the opportunity to continue that."