Photo: FIA F3 Championship
Australian Formula 3 champion Calan Williams will step up to FIA Formula 3 Championship next year with Jenzer Motorsport, marking the first official signing for the 2020 season.
The 19-year-old joined the team for this week’s post-season test at Valencia, and has driven for Fortec Motorsports in Euroformula Open for the last two years.
He won his national F3 title in 2017, having previously raced in regional Formula Ford in his home country. This year he also contested the Toyota Racing Series with MTEC Motorsport, and was eighth in the standings.
?I am incredibly excited about the year ahead, and to be able to race during F1 events in front of F1 teams is a huge opportunity,? Williams said.
?Driving the car in Valencia was an amazing experience. It is a real step up from the car I have driven for the past two seasons in Europe, with much more power, more downforce, and being a larger car it is heavier and more physical to drive.
?Having my first outing in the car in the wet was certainly being thrown in the deep end! But, to be 16th of the 30 drivers on day two, with most of those ahead being current drivers in the 2019 championship was really pleasing.
“Also, to be only seven tenths of a second off the quickest time was even better, and considering it was my first time in the car, a really good place to start.
Prior to the test, Williams visited Jenzer’s factory in Switzerland, and spent some further time in the Alpine country.
?All of the team are fantastic. Everything clicked very quickly and I really like the way they are focused to achieve the best results on track, have high expectations, but are also interested in how I continue to develop as a whole person outside of racing.”
Jenzer started off in Formula Ford in the 1990s, then raced successfully in Formula Renault before joining FIA F3 predecessor GP3 in 2010. It won 11 races over nine years, and took a race win in the inaugural FIA F3 season this year with Red Bull junior Yuki Tsunoda.
?Last week I was very pleased to meet Calan when he visited our workshop for a seat fitting,” added Jenzer team principal Andreas Jenzer.
“After spending some time with our engineers on preparation work for the Valencia test, it was obvious to see he is a professional and focused young Australian man.
?Following on from the three days test, which were held in a range of varying conditions, clearly, we can see his potential. We are excited to be working together with him next year and look forward to a successful partnership.?