Sophia Florsch will join Van Amersfoort Racing for the remainder of the 2018 Formula 3 European Championship season and the Macau Grand Prix.
The 17-year-old has raced in Formula 4 for the last two years, and competed in Ginetta Junior prior to that.
She was earmarked for a VAR seat earlier this year after contesting pre-season testing with the team, and?VAR team boss Frits van Amersfoort made comments two months ago stating that the team were keeping a seat open for her if she could acquire the budget.
Florsch has concentrated on her education since testing, but has now signed a deal that will put her on the grid for all the remaining European F3 rounds, starting from next weekend at Zandvoort, and the Macau Grand Prix, which doubles up as the FIA F3 World Cup.
?After a period in which I had to give priority to passing my school exams, it feels great to know I will be back in the racing seat again to fully focus on my racing career,” said Florsch.
“I am very grateful to my loyal sponsors and the effort put in by VAR and their engine partner HWA and the further partners that will join our project.
?Stepping up from Formula 4 into the highly competitive FIA Formula 3 European Championship is an extreme challenge, but we all see it as a next step up the learning curve.
“I will give my utmost to reward all stakeholders and with the experience and support of VAR, I am convinced that I will learn a lot. I have more than ever an excited feeling about my future career.?
Van Amersfoort added: ?We warmly welcome Sophia to the team. Her drive to climb the motorsport ladder deserves lots of respect.
“During winter testing her performance behind the wheel convinced us of her qualities. We expect that with enough mileage and time to learn, she can be competitive in F3.
“Of course it is not ideal to enter the series now the season is already underway, but we will use all our experience and dedication to help Sophia get familiar with F3 as soon as possible.?