Reece Ushijima has become the first confirmed driver for Hitech GP’s entry into BRDC British Formula 3 later this year.
The 16-year-old American-Japanese had originally planned to race in the Formula Renault Eurocup this year, and had signed a deal with M2 Competition, but travel restrictions as a result of coronavirus pandemic meant he had to pull out of his drive last month.
Hitech also announced its intentions to race in British F3 in June, with plans to enter two cars in the upcoming season.
“I’m really excited to have the privilege to be able to work and race with such an established and experienced team such as Hitech GP,” said Ushijima.
“I know that the team will put maximum effort in to developing me on and off the track to be able to achieve the best results possible in my first car racing season.
“After a delayed start to seasons all over the world due to the pandemic I really can’t wait to hit the track and get racing.”
Ushijima made his car racing debut in Formula Ford 1600 at Anglesey last November, and finished on the podium twice.
He then went on to compete in the MRF Challenge in Dubai and Bahrain, scoring points in every race and twice setting the fastest lap. Ahead of his planned Eurocup campaign, he completed several days of testing in the regional F3 car with M2.
The original team that used the Hitech name, the David Hayle-led Hitech Racing, was a mainstay of the British F3 championship that ran from 1975 to 2014 and won the 2007 title with Marko Asmer.