British F3 returns at Snetterton

The newly renamed 2016 BRDC Formula 3 series will get underway this weekend at the Snetterton circuit in Norfolk.  Carlin’s MSA Formula Champion Lando Norris will continue his busy season at Snetterton this weekend and will be joined by MSA Formula vice champion and former title rival Ricky Collard who has been a front runner in recent tests.  Ameya Vaidyanathan continues his action packed season completing the Carlin trio of runners in Norfolk.

The news that the series will be renamed the BRDC Formula 3 Series, confirms the category’s position as the perfect stepping stone for drivers moving up from FIA Formula 4 before graduating to the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.  As a National F3 Championship, BRDC British Formula 3 will also offer FIA Super Licence points for the top five drivers in the overall standings. Carlin enjoyed strong form in the previous British F3 Series, as nine times British F3 champions between the years 2001 and 2013.

While this weekend’s round at Snetterton will be the first race of the season for the majority of drivers, the same isn’t true for Lando Norris who has already been crowned Toyota Racing Series champion after an early mini season of racing this year in New Zealand.  The Somerset born racer has also been busy testing in his Formula Renault 2.0 car as part of his dual programme which will see him miss some BRDC F3 rounds.

Also taking to the track this weekend will be Ricky Collard, who was a late signing to Carlin’s BRDC team in February.  The British racer will certainly be one to watch this season, having been a championship contender in MSA Formula and eventual vice-champion.  Collard heads to the first event of the season having been the quickest driver at the final official test last week.

Continuing a steep learning curve in motorsport is Ameya Vaidyanathan who enters only his second season of racing.   The Indian born racer had plenty to learn last year, skipping karting to jump straight into car racing and this season builds on a year’s experience in BRDC F4.

Speaking ahead of the weekend, Norris said, “So far testing has been good, although I’ve obviously not done as much as a lot of the drivers because I’ve had other commitments so I’ve been on the back foot a little.  We need to wait and see where everyone is at the official test.  I like Snetterton, I’ve had some good races with Colton [Herta] there and the BRDC F3 car is a lot of fun so I’m sure the racing will be close.  Obviously I’m not doing the full season but the aim is to win and do as well as possible at the races I’m able to compete in.”

Team mate Collard added, “I’m feeling really relaxed ahead of the first race.  Mentally I’m in a good place and I think after the last test which was positive I go into the first race feeling confident.  Obviously it’s a new challenge working with a new team and a new car but I feel like I’ve been really welcomed and feel very comfortable already.  From a technical perspective, I’m working really well with my engineer and looking at areas of my driving I’ve never looked at before, so I’m just tying to embrace that and learn as much as possible.”

Vaidyanathan commented, “Now that the pre-season period is coming to a close, I feel confident to take on whatever may come my way this year. It’s been a great experience getting to know the team over the winter and I’ve felt more at home with every test. With the amount of hard work that’s gone in, there’s a real drive to succeed from everyone involved, and I feel equally motivated to take my own driving to the next level. I’m really looking forward to getting the season underway!”