A FORMULA 3 rising star has put his racing career in jeopardy after being convicted of drink-driving.

Rob Austin admitted being "very embarrassed" after being banned from driving for 12 months at Worcester Magistrates Court yesterday.

The Pershore 21-year-old said he was unsure how the ban would affect his future, but admitted it could deter potential sponsors.

Austin, a member of the Menu F3 Motorsport team, was stopped by police in Wyre Piddle in the early hours of Friday, April 12, this year.

Clare Linehan, prosecuting, said he was breathalysed after officers smelt alcohol on his breath, and the test produced a reading of 41mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath. The legal limit is 35mcg.

Austin, of Station Road, Fladbury, was not represented in court.

District Judge Philip Browning said he was aware he was a Formula 3 driver and realised how a ban could affect him.

"Unfortunately, that's not a reason in itself to prevent a ban," he said. He also fined him £100 with £50 costs.

Austin is ninth in the British Formula 3 Championship with six races to go, and must now wait to see if his ban will prevent him from completing the season.

As racetracks are private land, a ban on driving in public does not automatically prevent drivers from racing.

A road licence is not required for racing, but Formula 3's governing body reserves the right to ban drivers if it feels it is appropriate.

Austin, who became the youngest winner of a senior motor race in Britain at the age of 16, hoped he would be able to carry on.

"I was unlucky to get caught, but I'm very embarrassed that I did it," he said. "It's not something I'm proud of at all."

He said he had been out in Worcester on the Friday night with the intention of not drinking and then driving home, but he was persuaded to stay out and have a couple of drinks.

However, he said circumstances led to him deciding to drive home.

"I didn't go out with the intention of getting drunk," said Mr Austin. "It's a situation I was put in, and it could make my life very difficult over the next couple of years.

"This season and next will be my last chance to make it into the big time - I'm very close to doing it."