Australian single-seater talent Bart Horsten will be returning for a second season in the BRDC British F3 Championship this year and he has a championship challenge in his sights as he joins forces with leading team Hitech GP.
The Perth-based racer graduated from British F4 into the UK’s premier single-seater category last year with Lanan Racing and made an immediate impact with a podium finish in only his second race in the championship at Oulton Park.
Showcasing impressive raw speed and eye-catching racecraft throughout the campaign, Horsten made another visit to the podium mid-season at Brands Hatch before ending on a high with a seasons-best second place in the Silverstone finale.
With a top ten championship finish under his belt, the 18 year old felt another season in the series was the best option for his driver development in 2021. With Lanan Racing leaving the grid, he made the easy decision to switch to the hugely successful Hitech GP squad.
The Silverstone-based outfit also made their BRDC British F3 Championship debut last year and were a consistent presence at the front of the field. Recording three race wins and 14 podium finishes across the campaign, they also secured second in the final Drivers’ championship standings.
With the team offering a natural route of progression up the single-seater ladder with programmes in the Asian F3 Championship, FIA Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2, they provide an opportunity for Horsten to learn and progress with one of the most respected teams in junior single-seater racing.
Bart Horsten:“I really enjoyed competing in the BRDC British F3 Championship last year, so I feel as though it was the obvious choice to make a return for another season and this time with the intention of challenging for the title.
“I'm really excited to be joining Hitech GP. They are an amazing team in terms of their professionalism, their facilities and the resources at their disposal. There's a lot that can be achieved for myself and the team in 2021, so I cannot wait to start working with them in earnest.
“I’m very fortunate to be given the opportunity to drive for them this year and I’ll be giving everything I’ve got to succeed. I look forward to starting our pre-season testing programme soon and we’ll be ready to hit the ground running when the season starts in May.”
Oliver Oakes, Hitech GP team principal: “We are excited to welcome Bart to the team. He had a strong rookie season last year in British F3, impressing us with his natural speed and approach. We look forward to seeing him develop into a championship contender this season.”
The prestigious British F3 Championship started back to the 1950’s and is renowned for producing the Formula 1 stars of the future. In its current incarnation, the series has been a stepping stone for 2020 F1 drivers Lando Norris, George Russell and Pietro Fittipaldi.
In 2021 the championship will consist of 28 races across eight events, competing as part of a high-profile package alongside the British GT Championship. The series will visit the top circuits in the UK and make an overseas visit to Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium.
Image from Jona Jacob.
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