Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography
Joshua Mason has become the first driver to commit to BRDC British Formula 3 next year, joining Lanan Racing for a third season.
The 17-year-old joined the championship part-time last year and picked up his first win at a soaking wet Silverstone in the last race of the season. Because of the rain, the race only lasted two laps and was held entirely behind the safety car.
Mason is 11th in the standings going into this weekend’s season finale, and took a second career win at Donington Park.
?I?m really happy to be staying with Lanan in 2020; they?re an amazing team and have worked so hard to develop me as a driver,” said Mason.
“Without their efforts, I wouldn?t be in the position I am in now, and to have taken a few podiums and a win at Donington this year gives me a lot of motivation to keep doing the same with them next year.?
Lanan finished one-two in the championship with George Russell and Arjun Maini in 2014 when it was known as BRDC British Formula 4.
?We?re delighted that Josh has decided to stay with us for a second full year in 2020,” team principal Graham Johnson said.
“His first year with us in 2018 was always going to be a steep learning curve after a limited karting career but he applied himself well and with enthusiasm in the races he competed.
?He?s taken our advice on board this year and shown excellent development in 2019 with some thoroughly deserved podium finishes and a cracking win at Donington.
“We expect that next year he will be a constant threat in the top six and a potential championship challenger.?
Mason is coached by 2009 Australian F3 champion Joey Foster, who also coached Russell and Maini while at Lanan.
“Josh is making strides with what he’s doing in British F3. He’s been coming on leaps and bounds,” Foster told Formula Scout.
“It will be good to see him have another year where he can show what he’s learnt. He’s won a reversed grid race, but his ultimate pace is really coming on as well. Will be interesting to see how he does at Donington [this weekend].