Photo: Formula Motorsport Ltd
Eurocup-3 champion Javier Sagrera and Formula Regional Europe race-winner Theophile Nael are the latest drivers to seal a step up to FIA Formula 3 for 2025.
Sagrera has signed to compete with AIX Racing after spending the last four years at the sub-F3 level. After less than a year in Spanish Formula 4 he moved into GB3 in 2021, finishing 10th in the standings with Elite Motorsport and one place higher a year later with Carlin.
He then switched to Eurocup-3, contesting much of the 2023 season with Palou Motorsport and ending up eighth in the standings after missing the last two rounds, before moving to MP Motorsport this year. His subsequent championship success is subject to appeal from rival Christian Ho after a messy deciding round at Barcelona.
AIX sporting director Roland Rehfeld believes Sagrera has the potential to surprise.
“I was following Javier now for two years and his 2024 campaign winning the Eurocup-3 championship on track convinced us to test him,” he said.
“Also here he showed directly the necessary potential with his speed, driving and working attitude. Beside that his personality is well matured, grateful and just sympathetic. We are convinced about his talent and are sure to achieve successful results next season, and surprising a lot of people.”
Nael was Spanish F4 champion in 2023 in what was his first full year of car racing after he debuted together with Sainteloc Racing midway through the previous season.
He stepped up to Sainteloc’s FRegional squad for 2024 and came ninth in the European championship after a strong end to the year that included a maiden win at the Red Bull Ring.
Now he’ll fly the Sainteloc nest to drive for Van Amersfoort Racing in F3.
VAR CEO Rob Niessink said Nael “has already shown exceptional potential and a professional approach during the post season test days with us”.
“Stepping into Formula 3 is a significant challenge, but we believe in his ability to adapt and thrive,” he added. “We look forward to helping him grow and achieve success in the upcoming season.”