Photo: F4 UAE
Leading Emirati karting and single-seater outfit Xcel Motorsport has announced it will expand into GB3 in 2025 with a two-car entry.
Xcel, which was previously known as Energy Dubai, has competed in both forms of circuit racing for several years across the United Arab Emirates and Europe and has won multiple titles in both disciplines.
The team took one win during Formula 4 UAE’s inaugural season, was runner up in the teams’ standings the following year and then claimed three consecutive teams’ titles between 2019 and 2021, with Matteo Nannini and Francesco Pizzi both becoming champions as Xcel drivers during that period.
Xcel also raced in Spanish F4 in 2020, and this year moved into Formula Regional Middle East and British F4, with its driver Zak Scoular taking one podium and coming 15th in the standings in the latter.
“We’re very pleased to be making the move into GB3 for next season, as we expand our team further into the UK racing scene,” said Xcel’s team manager Paul Hardy. “We’re uniquely placed to take talented drivers through from grassroots and international-level karting, through F4 in the Middle East and UK, and then into GB3, providing a ladder of opportunity that few teams can rival at this level.
“It’s a great time to join the series too, GB3’s new car is a very exciting one, and levels the playing field for all teams, with everyone getting used to it at the same time. We can’t wait to get going and take delivery of our new cars!”
GB3 will expand its international presence by racing outside of the UK for half of its eight-round season and also introduce the Tatuus MSV GB3-025 in 2025. The new car, which features completely revised aerodynamics and is expected to be significantly faster than its predecessor, was recently shaken down out the La Pista circuit near the Tatuus headquarters before racking up more mileage during a two-day test at Vallelunga in the hands of former FIA F3 racer Lorenzo Colombo.
Xcel is the first new team to join the grid in 2025, and may not be the last.