on home ground at Silverstone

The 2008 British F3 International Series continues this week, with rounds 17 and 18 at the Silverstone circuit in Northamptonshire. 

Making a return to the UK after two weekends racing in Europe, Räikkönen Robertson Racing drivers Atte Mustonen, John Martin and Henry Arundel will be joined by a new team mate this weekend, as Clemente Faria Jr races with the team at Silverstone.   

While the majority of the British F3 drivers have enjoyed a break from racing, the Double R team face a month of back-to-back races, having just returned from the RTL Masters of F3 Zolder. 

Competing alongside teams from the F3 Euro Series, the Double R drivers raced well with both Mustonen and Arundel climbing up the order throughout the race.  Taking part in his second F3 Masters event, Mustonen was the second British F3 driver to cross the line, finishing in a strong sixth place.   

Returning to the more familiar surroundings of Silverstone and racing on the Avon tyre, the Double R drivers will be joined by a new recruit this weekend, as Brazilian driver Clemente Faria Jr makes his British F3 debut with the team.  Faria already has experience of the F3 car, having raced in the South American F3 championship, becoming champion in 2007.  The 20 year-old has also raced in the A1GP series as Rookie for A1 Team Brazil.   

Currently fifth in the championship standings, race winner Atte Mustonen said, “I like Silverstone, it’s a nice track and having finished third there last year I know we can be very competitive.  There isn’t much time to find the best set up due to a short race weekend, but I think we have enough knowledge of the circuit for that not to be a problem.”

Team Principal Anthony Hieatt added, “Once again this will be a new circuit for Henry while John and Atte raced here last year.  We’ve got a good record at Silverstone, we won both races in 2006 and Atte finished on the podium here last year.  I’m confident that we will be able to get drivers on the podium again this weekend.” In a departure from the normal race schedule, the F3 cars will take part in practice and qualifying on Friday, with round 17 taking place at 11.35 on Saturday.  Round 18 will take place at 15.55 the same day, before the Double R trucks begin the long journey to Romania for next weekend’s race in Bucharest.