Former Formula 3 Australian Drivers Championship race winner Mat Sofi will return to the class this weekend at the Shannons Nationals presented by Hi-Tec Oils event at Eastern Creek Raceway.

Having finished third in the 2009 championship, the Liverpool based insurance broker competed in just one round last year, and is again completing a partial campaign in 2011.

Sofi will again line-up in his Astuti Motorsport prepared Dallara F307-Mugen Honda, and says he expects to be competitive with the title contenders.

“I can’t tell you how much I want to get back in the car,” said Sofi.

“We’re coming out feeling pretty confident even though I haven’t been in the car in race conditions since the Eastern Creek round in September last year.

“We’re back in a big way and are doing it properly. Sam Astuti has prepared the car and the best thing is we have always shown plenty of speed at Eastern Creek.

“We won there in 2009 and I was in the top three on speed last year, so there’s no reason we can’t do it again.

“It’s a pretty tough field, though, so we’re under no illusions that we’re going to come in and blow the wings off them, but I’m confident the team will be competitive – and hopefully I will be too!”

Briton James Winslow leads the points standings after two rounds with 48 points, four clear of R-Tek team-mate Bryce Moore.

Unofficial practice ahead of Round 3 of the championship is taking place today, with Sofi setting the fastest time in the opening 20 minute session.

CLICK HERE for this morning’s news story on the new deal between the Shannons Nationals and Hi-Tec Oils

See below for the full Round 3 entry list