Ben Hingeley returns for 2017 BRDC British F3 with Fortec Motorsports

Ben Hingeley will return to the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship in 2017 with Fortec Motorsports, it has been confirmed today (21 December), joining Danish driver Nicolai Kjaergaard.

The 19-year-old recorded a top-10 overall finish in his maiden season competing in the UK’s leading single-seater series during 2016, claiming podium finishes at both Snetterton and Donington Park. He also took pole position for race one of the weekend at the 'Donington Decider,' demonstrating his underlying speed. The teenager, who lives in Abergele, North Wales, then joined Fortec Motorsports for the Duo BRDC British F3 Autumn Trophy at Snetterton.

Hingeley made the step up to British F3 in 2016 having won the Formula Jedi title in his rookie year the season before, scoring eight victories with three further podium finishes en route to the championship. Prior to that, he enjoyed notable success in karting, winning the 2011 Welsh Mini Max title, before finishing as runner-up in the 2013 Super One Junior Rotax Championship.

Hingeley said: "I am delighted to be returning to the British F3 Championship with Fortec Motorsports. We have just returned from a fantastic few days testing in Valencia and I am feeling really confident for the coming season. Fortec is a professional team with a wealth of experience and I am looking forward to working with them.

I would like to thank Mr Paul Rooney of Arun Estates and Thakeham Homes for this amazing opportunity. Without his continued support I would not be in this fortunate position."

Russell Dixon, team manager of Fortec Motorsports BRDC British F3 operation, added: “We are delighted to have Ben at Fortec for the 2017 BRDC British F3 Championship. We watched him progress in 2016 and he was at the top of our driver 'shopping list' for 2017. He showed fantastic pace during winter testing and the British F3 Autumn trophy so, with continued hard work, we expect him to be a championship contender."

The 2017 BRDC British Formula 3 Championship season gets underway on Easter Weekend at Oulton Park (15/17 April).

For more information on the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship, visit www.britishf3.com.