Photo: Sam Bloxham / FIA Formula E
MRF Challenge champion Jamie Chadwick will enter the Asian Formula 3 season opener to gain experience of the regional F3 car used in the W Series.
The 20-year-old, who is also a winner in BRDC British F3 and tests for NIO in Formula E, will join Red Bull junior Jack Doohan at Hitech GP for the three-race round at former Malaysian Grand Prix venue Sepang.
“A late call up but I?m delighted to announce that I?m going to be racing in the first round of the Asian F3 championship at Sepang next weekend with Hitech GP,” Chadwick tweeted.
“Thanks to all who made this awesome opportunity possible. I can?t wait.”
The Alfa Romeo-powered Tatuus T-318 car used in Asian F3 is identical to the vehicle that the W Series will use for its inaugural season, which Chadwick will be racing in after clearing two rounds of tests by the championship promoters.
There are no calendar clashes between the two championships, meaning Chadwick could compete full seasons in both, and reigning champion team Hitech, which also runs all the cars in the W Series, is yet to sign a team-mate for Doohan beyond the first round.
James Yu, who finished seventh in the Asian F3 standings last year with Zen Motorsport, will return for a second season, as will M-Sport Asia driver Akash Gowda. Successful Lamborghini racer Paul Wong is also set to join the series in the Masters class, but has not yet been announced with a team.