Lundqvist Replaces Injured Hayek for One-Off F3 Outing

Exciting single-seater racing talent Linus Lundqvist will make a surprise step-up into Formula 3 competition at Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium a week from now, on Friday, 7th July, and Saturday, 8th July, when the Double R Racing driver graduates into the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship.

The 18-year-old from Sweden, who ordinarily races with Double R in the F4 British Championship certified by FIA – powered by Ford where he is currently third in the standings, will pilot the F3 car vacated by Australia’s Harry Hayek who is recovering from injuries sustained at Snetterton in May.

Stockholm-based Lundqvist, a three-time race winner in British F4 with the Woking team so far this year, is gaining an impressive reputation in his first season of action outside the Nordic region and is now absolutely relishing his first races in F3 as well as his maiden visit to world-famous Spa.

“I am absolutely thrilled to be making my Formula 3 debut at Spa next weekend,” said Lundqvist, “It was not something I expected to be doing this year, and I really want to thank Double R Racing for putting their trust in me for this. I’ve never been to Spa before and it will obviously be difficult to go up against the F3 guys in the middle of the season, but I will do my best and try and learn as much as possible. I also wish Harry [Hayek] all the best in his continued recovery.”

Lundqvist, who is the reigning Formula STCC Nordic Champion, has undertaken a limited programme of testing with Double R’s F3 squad to prepare as well as possible for his one-off outing in British F3 with the reigning category champions and team principal Anthony ‘Boyo’ Hieatt can’t wait to see how the Swedish youngster will adapt to racing the quicker, and more aerodynamic, British F3 car.

“We’re all really excited to see how Linus adapts to F3 at Spa next weekend, it’s not going to be easy but he’s done an incredible job in British F4 this year with us and definitely deserves this opportunity to showcase what he can do at a higher level,” said Hieatt. “His pace in British F4 has been nothing short of sensational this year, his tally of pole positions, fastest laps and race wins proves that, and I’m confident he’s going to grab this chance with both hands and give a very strong account of himself. Linus doesn’t know Spa and although it is a hugely challenging track, I’m sure he’ll be up to speed very quickly. We can’t wait for next weekend.”

Stepping into the car Harry Hayek piloted during the first half of the British F3 season, Lundqvist will partner Jamie Chadwick – who is already a podium finisher in her maiden season of single-seater racing at any level in British F3 – and ever-improving Brazilian driver Guilherme Samaia.

Following official testing at Spa next Thursday, 6th July, BRDC British F3 qualifying will take place at 10.50 (local time) on Friday, 7th July, with race one of the weekend getting underway at 15.45 (local time). On Sunday, 8th July, race two is scheduled to begin at 10.40 (local time) with race three following at 14.20 (local time).