Highly rated Brazilian teenager Matheus Leist is to make his debut in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship with Double R Racing at the Red Bull Ring in Austria this weekend, 1st/2nd August, as replacement for injured category regular Nicolas Pohler.
Forced to miss the eighth event of the 2015 season as a result of breaking his arm in a training accident, German youngster Pohler is aiming to be back to full fitness in time for the championship’s visit to Portimao in Portugal in early September.
Leist, who competes with Double R in the UK-based MSA Formula series where he is a race winner and title contender, will have his maiden run in the Dallara-Mercedes F3 car on Friday, 31st July during free practice at the Red Bull Ring ahead of the weekend’s qualifying sessions.
Heading out to Austria with Anthony ‘Boyo’ Hieatt’s team for a real baptism of fire in the globe’s biggest and most competitive Formula 3 category, the 17-year-old faces a huge challenge but will have the benefit of working alongside Double R’s other F3 pilot Matt Solomon.
“Everyone at Double R is obviously wishing Nici a speedy recovery from his injury, he broke his arm after falling off a bike in training in Italy, but he’s fully focused on being back for the next round in Portimao”, said Hieatt, “Matheus isn’t expecting much from the Red Bull Ring, he knows it’s going to be a huge learning curve and a major challenge against some very quick and experienced drivers.
“Racing in FIA F3 can’t be underestimated, it’s one of the hardest and most competitive categories in the world at any level but it’s an exciting opportunity for Matheus at this point of his career. We’re all really looking forward to seeing how he gets on.”
Leist, who does have some Formula 3 experience from the 2014 Brazilian F3 Light Series where he secured two Class B victories and several other podiums, has been a revelation in his first season of racing outside South America this year in MSA Formula.
Claiming two podiums on the opening weekend of the season at Brands Hatch, the teenage ace went on to take his maiden MSA Formula victory during the second event of the campaign at Donington Park. He is currently third in the championship standings with a total of five podiums.
Following free practice and qualifying at the Red Bull Ring tomorrow, Friday, 31st July, Leist will line-up for his first ever FIA Formula 3 European Championship race, round 22, at 11.05 (local time) on Saturday, 1st August, with round 23 following at 15.45 (local time). Round 24 will take place at 11.45 (local time) on Sunday, 2nd August.
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