Brazilian driver Pietro Fantin will race for Arden Caterham in FR3.5 in 2013 alongside Antonio Felix da Costa, the team has announced.
The 21-year-old will be a newcomer to WSR, after having spent the two previous years racing in British F3. There he finished eighth and seventh in his two successive seasons, amassing two wins and eleven podium finishes along the way. Fantin’s move to FR3.5 comes as little surprise, given he’s been there for every day of the post-season testing, showing some impressive lap times with P1 Motorsport and Lotus.
Regarding his promotion, Fantin said: “Formula Renault 3.5 has always been in my plans, for a two-year project, because of the car and high level of the competition. As a rookie, I hope to learn a lot, but also with the real target of being in the top 10, finishing all races and constantly scoring points.
“Arden Caterham had a great performance last year, and they always have a competitive car, so I believe this year won’t be different. I knew [Arden sporting director] Julian Rouse before and my first contact with the team at Barcelona test was really good. Also I will have Augusto Farfus and Pedro Lamy in my team, since last year they have added a lot. I believe we have a complete team.”
Rouse added: “We are delighted to have Pietro join the team this season. He had some very positive tests sessions with World Series by Renault in Barcelona and Motorland at the end of last year with Lotus and P1. Also he performed really well in the private ECU test he did with us in Barcelona.
“I was particularly impressed by how he worked with the engineers and how keen he was to listen and learn how to continue to develop his driving.? ?He also had a very dominant performance at the Norisring last year in F3, grabbing pole and maximum points. We are looking forward to a successful partnership in Pietro?s rookie year in FR3.5.”
Arden Caterham finished the 2012 season of FR3.5 in second in the Teams’ Standings.