Jordan's Track Talk

Tag: MP Motorsport

  • Mari Boya steps up to F3

    MP Motorsport have announced Mari Boya will be making his Formula 3 debut with the team next season, becoming their first signing for the 2023 campaign.

    Boya will make the step up from the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine after two seasons in the category. The 18 year old scored his maiden podium in Valencia last year, before going on to finish 10th in the Standings in 2022.

    During his first run behind the wheel of MP’s machinery at the post-season test in Jerez, Boya put in a solid showing, finishing inside the top 10 during the final morning session, and clocking in 225 laps across the three days.

    After five years of karting, Boya made his single-seater debut in Spanish F4 in 2020 where he acheived three wins, 14 podiums and two pole positions on his way to finish second in the Drivers’ Championship as a rookie.

    It’s a great feeling to know that this winter I will be gearing up for a vital next step in my career, moving up to FIA Formula 3 with MP Motorsport. It’s so good to be able to do that together with MP. Having worked so well with the team in 2020 and in recent months, I had no doubts in signing with them for my FIA F3 debut. I’m really looking forward to racing in front of all the Grand Prix teams, and can’t wait for the first round in Bahrain!

    Mari Boya on his move up the ranks.

    We are very pleased to welcome Mari to our FIA Formula 3 team. Although he will be new to FIA F3, he is very much a known quantity to us. In 2020, his first season in single-seaters with us in Spanish F4 was truly outstanding, and it was good to welcome him back into our FRECA team in the course of this season. He already showed much promise during the post-season tests. Now we are eager to use that as a platform to set him up for the strongest possible rookie year in FIA F3.

    Team Principal, Sander Dorsman.

  • Hauger to MP Motorsport

    Dennis Hauger, has confirmed his plans for the 2023 FIA Formula 2 season, where he will be swapping from PREMA Racing to MP Motorsport for his sophomore campaign in the second tier.

    The Norwegian driver has enjoyed a mixed rookie season and currently sits 11th in the standings on 98 points heading into the season finale in Yas Marina. After securing his first podium during the Imola Sprint Race, he brought home victory on his maiden appearances in Monte Carlo and Baku, before he returns to the podium in Zandvoort.

    Having taken Felipe Drugovich to the 2022 Drivers’ Championship title in spectacular fashion, MP Motorsport will be eager to retain its levels of performance next year.

    The Dutch outfit will give Hauger his first running for them across all three days of the post-season test in Abu Dhabi from November 23 – 25.

    Entering this season as the reigning Formula 3 Champion, Hauger already has five years of single-seater experience under his belt. Since his debut in British F4 in 2018, he stormed his way to the Italian F4 title the following year with 12 wins and 16 podiums, alongside finishing runner-up in German F4.

    Stepping up to F3 in 2020, he moved to PREMA for his second season and notched up four wins and nine podiums on his way to glory and remained with the Italian team for his maiden F2 campaign.

    I am really excited about joining MP Motorsport for another assault on the FIA Formula 2 Championship. MP have been the revelation of this season, consistently producing a great car for every round of the season. We have recognised that, and it’s wonderful news that we have been able to make the deal work. I’m looking forward to working with the team starting at the Abu Dhabi test, which I hope will be our jump start to a very successful 2023 season.

    Hauger on his move.

    We are absolutely delighted that someone of Dennis’ calibre will be part of our Formula 2 programme in 2023. His 2021 Formula 3 title year is still fresh on my mind – he made no prisoners and was truly outstanding. With the knowledge and experience that he has gained in his F2 rookie season, I’m positive that he will translate those into consistent pace-setting form and more results like the ones he produced at Monaco and Baku this year.

    Sander Dorsman, Team Principal.

  • F2 Zandvoort – Day 2 & 3

    Day 2-

    Novalak got wheelspin from his getaway and in the second phase of the launch, Armstrong claimed the lead of the race, diving down the inside into turn 1. Novalak’s attempted defence baulked Juri Vips behind him, allowing Dennis Hauger a run alongside the Estonian at Turn 2.

    Theo Pourchaire’s tricky start to the weekend got worse on Lap 2, dropping to 21st after out-braking himself at Turn 1 and running through the gravel after an attempted pass on David Beckmann for 14th.

    A big lock up for Vips with six laps to go almost opened the door to Verschoor to seize P5 at Turn 10 but the Hitech driver gathered it up before the Trident could get close enough to pass.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Armstrong, P2: Novalak, P3: Hauger, P4: Lawson, P5: Vips, P6: Iwasa, P7: Verschoor, P8: Sargeant, P9: Doohan and P10: Drugovich.

    Day 3-

    Drugovich covered off Doohan in Turn 1 but from third on the road, Logan Sargeant locked up and ropped right to the back following a trip through the gravel at the first corer.

    But at Turn 7, Sargeant’s day went from bad to worse as the Carlin driver went into the barrier as he had contact with Boschung. The barrier required repair the race was red-flagged on Lap 4.

    Doohan had DRS on Drugovich but a big lock-up from the Virtuosi Racing driver, on lap 9 into the first corner meant he had to file back in behind with a major flat spot as a result.

    The Safety Car was out once again on Lap 17 after Marino Sato found the barriers at Turn 2, with his wheel becoming detached following his pit stop. The Safety Car was withdrawn entering Lap 22 but Lawson left it as late as possible to make his getaway.

    It caught out plenty behind and contact between several driver. Doohan was one of those who got caught up in the melee, tagged by Verschoor from behind. The Virtuosi driver was out along with Novalak and Calderon – the Safety Car was deployed once more.

    Due to delays and earlier stoppage, the Feature Race went to time rather than the full 40-lap distance. After taking the lead, Drugovich was comfortable out in front and he claimed victory to put himself within touching distance of the 2022 Drivers’ Championship.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Drugovich, P2: Verschoor, P3: Iwasa, P4: Hauger, P5: Fittipaldi, P6: Cordeel, P7: Vips, P8: Beckmann, P9: Caldwell and P10: Pourchaire.

    We are back this weekend for the second to last race weekend of the season, we are in Monza for Round 13.

  • F3 Zandvoort – Day 2 & 3

    Day 2-

    Dominating the front row were two black and white ART Grand Prix cars, as Correa lined up on reverse grid pole ahead of teammate Saucy, whilst O’Sullivan and Collet lay in the second row.

    In his Formula 3 race, Sebastian Montoya found himself sitting in P6 meanwhile title protagonists could be found up and down the field, with Hadjar in seventh ahead of Stanek and Crawford in ninth and tenth. The third ART of Martins lined up P11, whilst PREMA Racing’s Oliver Bearman and Arthur Leclerc started in P13 and P20.

    Collet, was ready for his opportunity to pounce on Lap 4 and take the race lead from Correa. Attempting to make the move stick around the outside of Turn 1, the Brazilian dipped his wheels across the kerbs into Turn 3.

    Things began to settle down towards the mid point of the race as the medium Pirelli compounds began to fade, leaving those who managed the yellow-walled tyres the best with the upper hand towards the latter end of the 21 lap sprint race.

    Approaching the final seven laps, Bearman’s defence came un-done with a wobble into Turn 4. The Ferrari Academy driver went over the kerbs and across the grass , dropping him behind Stanek.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Collet, P2: Correa, P3: O’Sullivan, P4: Edgar, P5: Saucy, P6: Hadjar, P7: Martins, P8: Montoya, P9: Crawford and P10: Stanek.

    Day 3-

    Martins would have been rubbing his hands with glee as the ART GP driver nailed his getaway off the line, immediately going side-by-side with Maloney up the inside of Turn 1. The Trident driver attempted to cover him off but went wide soaring over the kerbs.

    Futher back, Bearmans day went from bad to worse. A poor start saw the Ferrari Academy driver junior loosing three places at lights out, allowing Leclerc to close in on his teammate.

    With the battles showing no sign of settling down, it wasn’t long until the Safety Car made its first appearance of the weekend Lap 4. Brad Benavides was caught out by William Alatalo’s braking point into Turn 2 and sending both into the gravel and then retire.

    There was no doubt Martins was beginning to struggle. A rough looking left front tyre left him vulnerable to Colapinto behind but the Van Amersfoort driver couldn’t get past him.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Maloney, P2: Martins, P3: Colapinto, P4: Stanek, P5: Hadjar, P6: Crawford, P7: Collet, P8: Montoya, P9: Edgar and P10: Bearman.

    We now only have one round remaining next weekend, and we are in Monza, will we be finding out who is going to be our Formula 3 2022 Champion!

  • F2 Zandvoort – Day 1

    Free Practice-

    Jack Doohan picked up from where he left off just under a week ago, leading the way in P1 for Virtuosi Racing. The Australian was ahead of Ayumu Iwasa by 0.323s whilst Championship leader, Felipe Drugovich followed in third 0.402s down on the best time.

    The opening minutes were taken up by installation laps around what was quite a green track. Before any real representative times could be posted, Beckmann spun into the gravel out of Turn 13 to bring out the red flags.

    As the drivers logged the laps, the track conditions rapidly evolved and the times tumbled as a result. Amaury Cordeel was briefly quickest before Ayumu Iwasa then Frederik Vesti went fastest. Doohan restored himself back to P1 with a 1:23.133s with just under 20 minutes left.

    As the track evolution enticced the drivers to push but for Vesti, it resulted in a spin and contact with the barriers. His stranded ART Grand Prix car at Turn 2 brought out the red flags once more.

    Qualifying-

    Felipe Drugovich put himself within touching distance of the 2022 Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship by claiming his second consecutive pole position, over two tenths clear of Jack Doohan and Logan Sargeant.

    Felipe Drugovich set the initial time to beat on a 1:21.915 until the fastest man in practice, Doohan restored his name to the top of the timing screens on a 1:21.760.

    Red flags with 21 minutes left were down to Pourchaire finding the barriers at Turn 3, a snap of oversteer on the corner entry sent him directly into the outside wall and required a repositioning of the barrier before getting underway again.

    Doohan’s next attempt was good but not good enough to stop the Championship leader. A second red flag with under four minutes due to Jehan Daurvala a spin between Turns 7 and 8 left the PREMA driver stuck on the sidelines.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Drugovich, P2: Doohan, P3: Sargeant, P4: Verschoor, P5: Iwasa, P6: Lawson, P7: Hauger, P8: Vips, P9: Armstrong and P10: Novalak.

  • F2 Spa – Day 1

    Free Practice-

    Ralph Boschung got his return to the Formula 2 season off to a positive start, as the Campos Racing driver topped Free Practice around Spa-Francorchamps.

    The weather proved to be a major headache with rainfall around the track, catching a few drivers out, but it was the Swiss driver who managed to clock in a 2:01.376 finish ahead of Amaury Cordeel and Ayumu Iwasa.

    Iwasa was the first driver to set a representative time. Flourishing in these conditions the DAMS driver set out to better his by 0.742s after the first two sectors, but it wasn’t to last, fighting the car through Stavelot ended in a huge spin across the gravel to bring out the Red Flag.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Boschung, P2: Cordeel, P3: Iwasa, P4: Armstrong, P5: Zendeli, P6: Sargeant, P7: Daruvala, P8: Beckmann, P9: Sato and P10: Vips.

    Qualifying-

    Championship leader, Felipe Drugovich put in a mighty lap to take pole position for the Spa-Francorchamps Feature Race ahead of Enzo Fittipaldi and Logan Sargeant.

    His closest rival in the Championship, Theo Pourchaire had to settle for eighth on the grid, meaning that the French driver will line up third on the grid for the Sprint Race.

    Juri Vips was the first to bring out a red flag due to a spin and not being able to keep his engine going. The session then resumed with 23 minutes to go and drivers got on track immediately.

    Ralph Boschung took provisional pole for Campos Racing but it was only for a moment. Jehan Daruvala and then Jack Doohan went quicker with track conditions ramping up in the closing stages.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Drugovich, P2: Fittipaldi, P3: Sargeant, P4: Doohan, P5: Beckmann, P6: Lawson, P7: Verschoor, P8: Pourchaire, P9: Daruvala and P10: Boschung.

  • F3 Spa – Day 1

    Free Practice 1-

    Reece Ushijima left the rest well adrift after his 2:05.172s put him above anyone else on the grid. The Van Amersfoort Racing driver ended the session over a second clear of anybody else, with Campos enjoying a 2-3-4.

    Jenzer Motorsport’s William Alatalo set the first representative time on a 2:09,590s but that was bettered by Carlin driver Brad Benavides with the American setting a 2:09.421s soon after.

    Roman Stanek came to a halt on the Kemmel Straight with just over 10 minutes remaining of the session, briefly bringing out yellow flags before the Trident driver was able to get his car restarted to continue.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Ushijima, P2: Goethe, P3: Vidales, P4: Marti, P5: O’Sullivan, P6: Stanek, P7: Hadjar, P8: Maloney, P9: Edgar and P10: Bearman.

    Qualifying-

    Caio Collet, put his foot to the floor to storm his way to his first Formula 3 pole position, mastering the wet to drying conditions in Spa-Francorchamps to become the seventh different driver to take pole in as many rounds.

    There was no shortage of contenders in the fight for P1 in the fight for P1 as last-minute improvements mixed up the order but it was the MP Motorsport driver who reigned supreme, over two tenths clear of Maloney.

    Downpours during the break between Practice and Qualifying forced the whole field to bolt on the wet weather Pirelli tyres and given the conditions it was no surprise that the track was immediately full of action.

    The session soon ground to a halt with 19 minutes on the clock, as Jak Crawford found himself facing the wrong way. In his attempt to sprint his car around, the driver got caught out by the gravel trap and was forced into a frustratingly early end.

    Even the appearance of the chequered flag didn’t mean that the order was final. Maloney leaped half a second clear of his teammate but there was nothing he could do to stop Collet’s final effort of 2:11.289.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Collet, P2: Maloney, P3: Pizzi, P4: Goethe, P5: Stanek, P6: Edgar, P7: Smolyar, P8: Bearman, P9: Colapinto and P10: Benavides.

  • F2 Monaco- Day 3 & 4

    Day 3-

    PREMA’s, Dennis Hauger secured his first win in Formula 2 around the streets of Monte Carlo. Hauger, capitalised on a stall by reverse pole-man Jake Hughes at lights out to assume the lead of the race and he never looked back.

    Jehan Daruvala, made it a PREMA one-two, with Marcus Armstrong following closely behind and completing the podium. Lap 10 came along, when Clement Novalak hit the wall on the exit of La Rascasse, with the Safety Car being brought out, Ayumu Iwasa received a 10 second time penalty for the incident.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Hauger, P2: Daruvala, P3: Armstrong, P4: Fittipaldi, P5: Vips, P6: Pourchaire, P7: Doohan, P8: Lawson, P9: Nissany and P10: Sargeant.

    Day 4-

    Pole-sitter Felipe Drugovich made it three wins in four races to extend his lead at the top of the Drivers’ Championship. After a disappointing Sprint Race retirement, the MP Motorsport driver turned his fortunes around to hold off Theo Pourchaire in a race of attrition.

    A late gasp of pace from Juri Vips wasn’t enough to bring him into the fight as the Hitech Grand Prix driver settled for third.

    The full top 10 are- P1: Drugovich, P2: Pourchaire, P3: Vips, P4: Doohan, P5: Fittipaldi, P6: Armstrong, P7: Hauger, P8: Daruvala, P9: Sargeant and P10: Sato.

  • F2 Bahrain- Day 2&3

    F2 Bahrain- Day 2&3

    Day 2-

    Trident had only took their first F2 podium in the 2021 season, and hadn’t stood on the top step since 2016 GP2 campaign, but new recruit Verschoor had upped the chances by starting P2.

    Drugovich tumbled down the timesheets to sixth as Ralph Boschung but his Campos in P2 after starting P6. The action was brought to a half as a Safety Car come out due to Marcus Armstrong being tagged by Jake Hughes. The Van Amersfoort driver was handed a 10 second time penalty.

    Verschoor aced the restart as he pulled himself out of the DRS range, behind him Pourchaire didn’t have much luck as he was forced to enter the pits and retire from 5th.

    Daruvala had been waiting to make a move on Boschung for 2nd and managed to stick ahead before VSC came out, due to Hughes coming to a stop on the gravel. Clement Novalak had made contact with the British driver and the MP Motorsport driver was handed a 10s time penalty.

    PositionDriverTeamPoints
    1Richard VerschoorMP Motorsport10
    2Jehan DaruvalaPREMA Racing8
    3Liam LawsonCarlin6
    4Ralph BoschungCampos Racing5
    5Felipe DrugovichMP Motorsport4
    Top 5 finishers

    Day 3-

    Vips took the chance to take the lead of the race, as the front row had horrible starts with Boschung added in there as well. THe ones on the alternate strategy all benefited off the line with Williams, Armstrong, Caldwell and Iwasa gaining multiple positions.

    The first safety car arrived three laps in as Frederick Vesti was spun to a stop. The pit stops then started, and Vips luck turned as he had a slow pit stop and put him down to 12th. This meant that Doohan basically got handed the lead- although he got through the pit stop unscathed he got tangled up with Pourchaire on his return to the track and suffered damage to his front wing meaning he had to pit again.

    A five car tussle for 10th resulted in another Safety car, as Enzo Fittipaldi tagged Richard Verschoor making him stop. A flurry of activity in the pit lane led to two further retirements as Hauger and Williams both lost a tyre during their teams attempt to get them back out on track.

    PositionDriverTeamPoints
    1Theo PourchaireART Grand Prix25
    2Liam LawsonCarlin18
    3Juri VipsHiTech Grand Prix15
    4Ralph BoschungCampos Racing12
    5Marcus ArmstrongHiTech Grand Prix10
    Top 5 finishers

    F2 hasn’t got long to wait till more action on track, they will be returning next weekend for the second round of the season in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia!

  • F3 2022 Drivers

    The Formula 3 2022 grid is complete before the first round this weekend in Bahrain, the first of 9 rounds and 18 races across the year.

    There are 14 rookies this year, including Zak O’Sullivan in which his come of the back of 3 impressive year, being runner up in Ginetta Junior Championship, runner-up in F4 British Championship and GB3 Champion last year. Ollie Bearman, also comes inot F3 being the ADAC Formula 4 Champion and Italian F4 Champion.

    Which drivers should we look out for this season?

    Trident drivers, they are coming of the back of winning the 2021 Team standings, and no doubt will be wanting to do it again.

    PREMA, you can never ever count out, obviously they have won the drivers championship 3 years in a row. As well as this, Arthur Leclerc has already won one championship this year and it looks like F3 will now be his main focus.

    Martins and Collet, both with Alpine Academy will be looking to fight for the championship this year. It is their second year in F3 and will be hoping to move up to F2 next season if they provide the results.

    Juan Manuel Correa sticking with ART Grand Prix, hoping to fight for more points this year as he goes into his second year in Formula 3.

    TeamsDrivers
    TridentJonny Edgar
    Zane Maloney (R)
    Roman Stanek
    PREMAOliver Bearman (R)
    Arthur Leclerc
    Jak Crawford
    ART Grand PrixVictor Martins
    Gregory Saucy (R)
    Juan Manuel Correa
    MP MotorsportCaio Collet
    Alexander Smolyar
    Kush Maini (R)
    Charouz Racing SystemAyrton Simmons (R)
    László Tóth
    Francesco Pizzi (R)
    HiTech Grand PrixKaylen Frederick
    Isack Hadjar (R)
    Nazim Azman
    Campos RacingDavid Vidales (R)
    Hunter Yeany
    Josep María Martí (R)
    Jenzer MotorsportIdo Cohen
    Niko Kari
    William Alatalo (R)
    CarlinZak O’Sullivan (R)
    Brad Benavides (R)
    Enzo Trulli
    Van Amersfoort RacingFranco Colapinto (R)
    Rafael Villagomez
    Reece Ushijima (R)

  • Smolyar to not race in F3

    Alexander Smolyar has joined a number of Russian drivers who have opted not to continue International racing in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

    Smolyar finished F3 in sixth last year and was due to return for a third season with MP Motorsport. However the FIA announced a few weeks ago that any Russian competitors in its series would have to participate as neutrals.

    The sport’s governing body also required Russian drivers to sign declarations that they “acknowledge the strong commitment made by the FIA to stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine” and undertake to “not express any support (direct or indirect) for the Russian and/or Belarusian activities in respect of Ukraine”.

    Smolyar is backed by Russian junior driver programme SMP Racing, he took to social media to confirm he has decided to pull out of the championship.

    “I will not compete in FIA F3 and any international racing series this year. I stand with the decision of SMP Racing to stop its European program as a result of an unprecedented requirements that FIA put on any Russian driver as a condition for access to international competitions. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for your support in these difficult times.”

    He is the latest in a series of Russian drivers who have either lost their seats or opted not to compete this year. F1 driver Nikita Mazepin was dropped by his team after they severed ties to his father’s company Uralkali. In the World Endurance Championship, Russian team G-Drive has withdrawn, leaving ex-F1 racer Daniil Kvyat and Roman Rusinov without drives.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca663v7teh5/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

  • F2 2022 Drivers

    Formula 2 has now had all their drivers confirmed for this year. The 2022 season will see a 14 round calendar, and 28 races across the year.

    Half of the grid are rookies this year, with reigning Formula 3 Champion, Dennis Hauger making the step up into F2. As well as many different drivers from all different F1 team juniors, but 2022 their will be no Ferrari Driver Academy drivers, with the most recent drivers graduating to other roles…

    Which drivers should we look out for this season?

    Definitley both PREMA drivers, they will be want to go for both the drivers and teams championship for a third year running.

    Liam Lawson moving to Carlin, is definitely one to watch, he had a few reliability issues last year, so if he doesn’t have those this year hopefully he can be a title contender.

    ART Grand Prix, have a very strong line-up this year, Pourchaire will be wanting to go for the drivers championship, and Vesti will be wanting to help as the team and possibly fight for the team championship.

    Jack Doohan, Olli Caldwell, Jake Hughes and Clement Novalak all stepped into F2 seats last year with some scoring points rather quickly. These 4 are ones to look out for, with scoring points consistently.

    Formula 2 is back next Wednesday the 2nd of March in Sakhir, Bahrain for pre-season testing, then 2 weeks later is the first race of the season!

    TeamsDrivers
    PREMA RacingDennis Hauger (R)
    Jehan Daruvala
    VirtuosiJack Doohan (R)
    Marino Sato
    CarlinLogan Sargeant (R)
    Liam Lawson
    HiTech GPJuri Vips
    Marcus Armstrong
    ART Grand PrixThéo Pourchaire
    Frederik Vesti (R)
    MP MotorsportClément Novalak (R)
    Felipe Drugovich
    Charouz Racing SystemCem Bölükbasi (R)
    Enzo Fittipaldi (R)
    DAMSRoy Nissany
    Ayumu Iwasa (R)
    TridentCalan Williams (R)
    Richard Verschoor
    Campos RacingRalph Boschung
    Olli Caldwell (R)
    Van Amersfoort RacingJake Hughes
    Amaury Cordeel (R)
    (R)- Rookie

  • Maini completes MP’s line-up

    Kush Maini completes MP Motorsport’s line-up for 2022, in which the rookie will line up with Caio Collet and Alex Smolyar.

    Maini began his single-seater career in 2016 racing in Italian Formula 4, he then continued to race in the series in 2017 where he finished eight overall.

    He switched to BRDC British Formula 3 in 2018, where he placed third with eight podiums and a win, before he stepped up to Formula Renault Eurocup, ending the year in sixth. Maini, then returned to BRDC British F3 in 2020 where he finished as vice-champion with 12 podiums and 3 wins.

    In 2021, the 21 year old began in Asian F3, partnering F2 racer Jehan Daruvala at Mumbai Falcons, he also made his FIA World Endurance Championship – LMP2 debut last season competing in 6 hours of Bahrain.

    “I’m excited to join MP Motorsport for my first year in FIA F3”, said Maini. “In 2021, MP proved to be race winners and in the final standings they were the only FIA F3 team to have two rookies finish in the top-ten. This shows their ability to coach rookie drivers on their way to immediately performing well in the series. I can’t wait to get going for pre-season testing and the first round at Bahrain!”

    MP Motorsport Team Principal Sander Dorsman added: “I’m pleased to welcome Kush to our FIA F3 team. In the past few years, Kush has proved himself extremely well at regional F3 levels, now it’s time for him to step up to FIA F3. I’m sure he will mix well with Alex and Caio, and we will do our best to help him shine during each of the nine race weekends coming up in the championship.”

  • Collet sticks with MP Motorsport

    Caio Collet has been retained for his second season in Formula 3 by MP Motorsport, where he will join Alex Smolyar.

    The Brazilian driver, enjoyed a positive debut season with MP finishing as the second-highest rookie in ninth place, he managed to grab a podium in his very first race before adding a second in Round 2

    But after this, the 19 year old went through a tricky spell of one points’ finish in six races. He then went on to finish in the top 5 in six of the final eight races. Collet then remained with MP for post-season testing in Valencia and finished in the top 10 in five out of six sessions.

    In 2018, Collet made his debut in to single seaters, he went on to win the French Formula 4 title the same year, which saw him take seven wins and 11 podiums from 20 races.

    He then took a step up to Formula Renault Eurocup for 2019, placing fifth in his rookie year and second to Victor Martins in his second, before he made the jump to F3.

    “I’m very happy to continue in FIA F3 with MP Motorsport and the enduring support of the Alpine Academy”, said Collet. “We were strong in 2021 – and that was while taking on many accomplished drivers in an intensely competitive championship. With the knowledge that I have gained in my first season, I’m very much aiming to improve on last year’s results. I’m also looking forward to again racing in the special atmosphere of the Grand Prix weekends, and in front of the F1 teams.”

    MP Motorsport Team Principal Sander Dorsman added: “Caio staying with us for a second year is a massive coup. Last year, with three rookies, Caio being one of them, we showed that we were right on the pace with the longer-serving top runners in the series and took home a lot of points to bag a fighting fourth in the Team’s Championship. Building on Caio’s talent and increased experience, and teaming him up with Alex, hands us a very strong package for 2022. I can’t wait to attack the season with these guys.”

    My Opinion-

    Yesss! This is the right decision by far, if you look back at what his done so far and how well he has done including his rookie seasons it shows he is very talented and deserves a spot in F3 as well as the Alpine Academy.

  • Latest F3 Announcements

    Latest F3 Announcements

    A few more Formula 3 seats have been taken up recently, so lets take a look…

    Edgar to Trident-

    The reigning Champs, Trident annoucned that Jonny Edgar will be joining the team for 2022, where he moves from Carlin. The Brit, finished 18th with 23 points in his rookie season- he managed to score five top-10 finishes.

    He drove for the team, in post-season testing and impressed the team to earn a drive, he ended the afternoon session on day 3 in third.

    Jonny is also a member of the Red Bull Junior team, he has 3 years of experience in single seaters, which includes him winning the 2020 ADAC Formula 4 title.

    Trident Team Owner Maurizio Salvadori added: “Jonny Edgar is a driver that we followed very closely last year in the Formula 3 Championship. Although he did not receive particular results, the English driver impressed us thanks to his qualities. I am therefore very happy that Jonny will. be part of the Trident Team lineup in 2022. I am sure that he will compete in a top championship and will be a real protagonist of the season.”

    Correa stays with ART-

    Juan Manuel Correa and Art Grand Prix have signed for another year together in Formula 3. The Sauber junior made his racing return with ART last year, two years on from the tragic accident in Spa.

    He ended 2021, in 21st place where he had five top 10 finishes. When he was racing in Formula 2 he was a double-podium finisher scoring second place at Baku and Le Castellet with Charouz Racing System.

    Correa took part in the Formula 2 post-season test in Abu Dhabi with Charouz so he could get some more mileage underneath him.

    Team Principal Sébastien Philippe added: “Juan Manuel provided positive feedback by fitting in perfectly with the team and making progress after missing a year due to that pivotal event in his career. His strength of character has enabled him to rediscover his joy behind the wheel and to fight regularly in the top 10. In 2022, with the help of ART Grand Prix, he will be keen to take an additional step in his goals, to be even closer to the front and to participate in the team’s ambition to win both championships.”

    MP signs Smolyar-

    The Russian driver, Alex Smolyar will be returning to Formula 3 for his third season, but he is swapping ART Grand Prix for MP Motorsport.

    Last year, Smolyar finished sixth overall, with two wins and four podiums. In his rookie season in 2020, he ended 11th with just one podium to his name.

    The Russian, first made his single seater debut in 2017, where he drove for SMP Racing in Spanish F4 and SMP F4. He finished third in both series. He then went on to spend the next two years in the Formula Renault Eurocup.

    “It’s great news that Alex and SMP Racing have put their faith in MP for this year’s FIA F3 Championship”, said MP Motorsport team principal Sander Dorsman. “Alex is arguably one of the best drivers to stay in the category for another season, and his vast knowledge of the car and the circuits will serve us well as we look forward to a strong season.”

    My Opinion-

    The move for Jonny is the right one, I feel like we will see a different driver this year in him. He will be wanting to help the team fight for the Championship again.

    Correa has a good relationship with ART GP, and its only right that he stays with them I think. I feel like him staying in F3 this year is the right decision, hopefully we will see him make an appearance in the top 10 more consistently this year!

    Smolyar, I feel like ART GP wasn’t the right fit for him. Yes he has done well in his first two years in F3 but I feel like MP will help make that step forward. It will be interesting to see how he does with a new team.

  • Drugovich returning to MP

    MP Motorsport have announced the driver who will be teaming up with Clément Novalak in the F2 2022 season, and that is Felipe Drugovich.

    He first joined the team in 2020 in his rookie season, where he delivered three wins, four podiums and one pole position before switching to UNI-Virtusoi for the 2021 season.

    Since then he has added four podiums to his tally with the British team, which includes the two in the final round of the season which helped them in the teams battle.

    “I’m really delighted to reconnect with MP for my third season in FIA F2”, said Drugovich. “I have such wonderful memories of my debut season with them in 2020, starting off with a win in my very first F2 weekend and collecting two more victories after that. The team and I are eager to repeat that form in 2022, and then some more!”

    “It’s great news to have Felipe return to as the old nest, we’re really happy to welcome him back at MP”, said MP Motorsport team principal Sander Dorsman. “We gelled so nicely back in 2020, and with Felipe’s added experience I’m convinced we can do it all over again or even improve on our 2020 form. I’m also pleased that we have our line-up confirmed this early in the winter season. Having both Drugo and Clem on board so soon means that we can fully focus on the season ahead, and prepare ourselves as best we can.”

    My Opinion-

    Ah its so nice to see him back with MP. I feel like MP have a strong line-up for next year it will definitely be a team to watch and they have secured their line up early so they now can fully focus on testing and prepare for next year!

  • Doohan stepping up

    Another Formula 3 driver is making their Formula 2 debut this weekend, this time it is Jack Doohan and he will be joining MP Motorsport for the final two rounds of 2021.

    Doohan took part in Formula 3 this year which saw him battle Dennis Hauger, where h won four times and took two more podiums, he finished 2nd overall.

    The Australian will be replacing Richard Verschoor, due to the Dutchman having financial issues play part in the final two rounds of 2021 which is a massive shame just like all the other drivers this year. Doohan will be partnering up with his 2021 Trident teammate Clément Novalak who will also be making his Formula 2 debut this weekend.

    “I am very excited and very happy to be partnering with MP Motorsport for the final two rounds of the Formula 2 Championship,” said Doohan. “It is an amazing opportunity. I cannot thank the team enough, as well my family and everyone who has enabled me to do these last two rounds. This opportunity will give me a little bit of a foundation and a base before I start my prep for next year. I am super excited. I don’t have any real goals as I haven’t been in anything higher than a Formula 3 car before. Free Practice will be my first time in something higher than Formula 3, so my expectations are very minimal. My goal is to get as much track time as possible and to constantly be learning. I am really excited, it is awesome to be heading to the circuits in Jeddah and Yas Marina, I can’t wait.”

    My Opinion-

    Mixed feelings on this, but only because I liked seeing Verschoor race! Obviously gutting for him but it is all about money in F2 and sometimes it just isn’t possible to carry on, but i’ll be keeping an eye on what to see he does in his future!

    Now onto Jack, this is exciting a lot of F3 drivers this weekend in F2 which makes it exciting and gives them a step up for next year if they manage to get a seat. I definitely think a few teams will be watching Jack especially more so after his year in F3.

  • Novalek in F2 2022

    The first driver announcement for 2022 has been announced! MP Motorsport has confirmed the signing of Formula 3 driver, Clément Novalak for the final two rounds of 2021 and the full 2022 season.

    Novalak will be replacing Lirim Zendeli after Lirim has had to pull out due to financial reasons taking place once again which is a big shame for him. Lirim is currently sat in 17th with 13 points.

    Novalak had a very good year in F3 this year, overall he finished 3rd in the driver’s championship and he helped Trident secure the Teams Championship which saw him score four podiums.

    Taking a look into his career he has excelled, he won the 2019 BRDC British Formula 3 Championship with Carlin and then moved up into Formula Three where he competed for two years with his first being with Carlin Buzz and his second with Trident.

    “I’m delighted to get my first taste of F2 as soon as at Jeddah and Yas Marina,” said Novalak. “This will only help me towards my ambitions for a first full season in F2 in 2022. I’m truly thankful to MP Motorsport for handing me this opportunity, and I fully intend to make the most of it. MP has been a race-winning outfit in F2 for the past two years, so I hope that teaming up with them will allow me to return to my winning ways. I can’t wait to get started!”

    MP Motorsport team manager Sander Dorsman added: ““We are very happy to welcome Clément in our F2 line-up for 2022, and are especially excited to give him his first runs in a Formula 2 car in the six 2021 races still coming up. He pulled together a very strong season in F3, and especially his late run of form that took him up from sixth to third in the standings was extremely impressive. We are aiming to capitalise on that momentum by putting him in one of our F2 cars in the two remaining rounds on the Arabian peninsula. For next year, I’m sure he will be among the outstanding rookies of the year.”

    My Opinion-

    I think this is great! I catched a few of the F3 races this year and saw how well Novalak was doing so I have no doubt he will do well next year. Also having the last two rounds this year to jump in on will give him a head start with the team and build a relationship which could be vital for next year.

    Now lets wait and see who else gets announced for the Formula 2 2022 Championship!