Team West-Tec, the Corby-based European F3 Open team, will make a return to British F3 this year with a drive for Chris Vlok in the primary international class.
Vlok, a 20-year-old New Zealander, began his single-seater career in local Formulae in 2010-11. In 2012, he entered the Toyota Racing Series and, contesting a full-season with Victory Motor Racing, finished 15th in the standings, with?his personal best result being a ninth-place finish at Teretonga.
The Kiwi made appearances in Australian F3 and JK Racing Asia Series that year, before joining Team West-Tec for a standalone round in the European F3 Open at Hungaroring, scoring three points towards the Copa (F308 class) standings in race one.
Regarding his move to British F3, Vlok said: “I am very happy to be back at Team West-Tec as I know the team are very strong from my outing in 2012. The compact British F3 calendar for 2013 is perfect for me and I am looking forward to getting behind the wheel of my new Dallara F312 for the first time. While a shortened calendar, the track selection is brilliant, so I can’t wait to start testing!”
The principal of Team West-Tec, John Miller, added: “We had the opportunity to give Chris a chance last year and he did really well, allowing for the preparation he got. He is a really solid guy and we are delighted to work with him on a more full-time basis in 2013.”
Miller also stated that they’re planning to confirm more drivers in the category in the upcoming weeks.
In 2012, Team West-Tec finished fourth in the F3 Open teams’ standings, with their most successful driver of the season being Sam Dejonghe, who took fifth overall.