Venezuelan Manuel Maldonado aims to fight for the BRDC British F3 title in 2019, after confirming his third year in the series with Fortec Motorsports. 

The 19-year-old made excellent progress in his second season of British F3 in 2018, claiming his first two wins in his car racing career, including a stunning drive at Oulton Park that saw him scythe his way through from sixth on the grid in wet conditions, as well as a lights-to-flag triumph from pole at Snetterton. 

A constant presence towards the front of the grid, he finished seventh overall in the championship standings, building well on his first season in the series in 2017 which saw him finish 12th overall, also with the Fortec team. 

Remaining with the Daventry squad for a third consecutive season, the South American, cousin of ex-F1 star Pastor Maldonado, is hoping that the familiar environment will push him even further up the standings in 2019.

“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,” Maldonado commented. “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.”

Maldonado’s signing completes Fortec’s three-car line-up for this year’s championship. Team Manager Russell Dixon said: “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.”