The Genuine Ford Parts Australian Formula Ford Championship returns to the track this weekend with the penultimate round of the series to be staged at Tasmania's Symmons Plains circuit after a two month racing hiatus.

Phillip Island in mid September was the last time the Championship took to the race track, and with a comfortable Championship points lead, current series leader Paul Laskazeski can't wait to finally get behind the wheel of his Spectrum after such a long stint in between races

Driving a Spectrum for Synergy Motorsport, Laskazeski is currently leading the Championship by 74 points from Sonic Motor Racing's Nick Percat, and is capable of wrapping up the 2008 Championship in Launceston this weekend.

However the young gun wasn't going to play with the racing gods when talking about his title chances heading into the round.

"I'm not going to pre-empt anything, mathematically there are still other drivers in the hunt and until that's not the case I've got to take the approach that the title is far from over," explained Laskazeski.

"It's been a while between rounds so I'm looking forward to getting back on the track, I think there will be a bit of rain around this weekend but I am comfortable in those conditions so bring it on".

The Tasmanian circuit is not foreign to many of the front runners in this year's series; in fact it was Laskazeski's main challengers in Nick Percat and Kristian Lindbom who impressed at the corresponding round in 2007.

Lindbom, currently third in the 2008 Championship standings was the round winner last year at Symmons Plains while Percat was also a race winner and occupied second spot on the podium.

"Tasmania is a track I have some fond memories at, it is where I scored my first ever race and round win in the national Formula Ford category and hopefully I can continue that this weekend," said Lindbom.

Making a return to the Australian Championship after a season in the British Formula Ford ranks is Glen Wood, a driver who will also challenge at the front of the field this year.

Wood will drive a Minda Motorsport prepared Spectrum this weekend, a change from last season where he drove for Sonic Motor Racing in a Mygale chassis and was fifth in the Championship.

Race one will be broadcast on Network Seven this Saturday afternoon at approximately 3:50pm (EDST), with reigning Australian Formula Ford Champion Tim Blanchard in the commentary box.