British F3: Manuel Maldonado Returns to Fortec for Title Assault

Venezuelan driver Manuel Maldonado will rejoin Fortec Motorsports in BRDC British F3 for a third season. The cousin of F1-race winner Pastor Maldonado picked up two wins in the series last year.

Maldonado graduated from karting to first enter F3 in 2017, where he picked up a number of top tens, finishing twelfth in the standings. He made great strides last year, securing two wins in the reverse grid races, including his win at Oulton Park in which he leapfrogged six cars in the opening two corners.

His confirmation with Fortec means the team becomes the first to fill all three seats for the upcoming season. Both Kris Wright and their F4 graduate, Johnathan Hoggard were confirmed earlier this week.

His experience in the category means that he’ll be an early championship favourite, finishing seventh in the standings last season.

“It’s great to remain with Fortec for a third season, the team has become a second home for me and I’m really confident we can do great things this season. The two wins last year were really important, and will push us on to aim for the title in 2019.

“I know all the circuits very well now and the team puts out a great car all the time, so we should be right up there every weekend this season.” – Manuel Maldonado

The 19-year-old tested for Carlin during the Silverstone test last October, but has passed up the opportunity to race for the 2017 champions, choosing instead to consolidate his relationship with Richard Dixon’s team.

“It’s great to welcome Manuel back to the team for the 2019 season. He’s made big progress with us over the past two seasons and we’re very confident he’ll be able to make another step up in performance this year and challenge right at the front of the grid.” – Richard Dixon.

The BRDC F3 grid will be first in action next Tuesday, during the Media Day at Donington Park. The test will be open for fans.