Alex Brundle signs with T-Sport

Alex Brundle

Alex Brundle, son of former Grand Prix star and BBC F1 commentator Martin Brundle, is to step up to the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series this season. The 19-year-old will race a Volkswagen-powered Dallara prepared by the race-winning T-Sport team.

Alex says he has taken the decision to race in Formula 3 as it is one of the best series for young drivers, providing large amounts of vital track time. Alex is raring to get started: "I am very motivated by the opportunity to race in British F3," said Alex. "I love the car and this will be the first time in my motorsport career I have had the benefit of a team around me. I am going to work hard to use that new-found support to turn in some strong results for T-Sport. Thank you to my long term sponsors GAC logistics, the Space Exploration Network and to Volkswagen Motorsport."

"We're delighted to have signed Alex," said T-Sport principal Russell Eacott. "Having met him we have seen his enthusiasm and desire to race. Formula 3 is all about learning and Alex wants to be in an environment where he can learn to have a one-to-one relationship with his race engineer and really attack the technical challenges of F3."

"We are delighted to welcome Alex Brundle into the Volkswagen family. In Formula 3 he faces an important learning year and we look forward to making the next step in his young career together," added Volkswagen Motorsport director Kris Nissen.

Martin Brundle sparred with Ayrton Senna in British F3 in the 1980s and, like many drivers before and since, used his F3 race-winning successes as a launch pad to Formula 1. "Generations of drivers have benefited from competing in British F3, including myself with Volkswagen power," said Brundle Snr. "With 45 days on track and 30 races Alex will learn a great deal as he experiences a team environment for the first time. I like the attitude and approach of the T-Sport team and I'm confident about Alex's rookie F3 season."

British F3 is sponsored by US tire manufacturer Cooper Tire and is further supported by Sunoco Racing Fuels, Anglo American Oil Company and Mirror.co.uk. The opening rounds of the championship are scheduled for Oulton Park in early April.