F3 Open: Macleod joins West-Tec for Iberian assault

Team West-Tec has announced Callum Macleod as their first signing for this season’s Spanish F3 campaign.

The 21 year-old will drive a 2006 spec. Dallara chassis which will be run in association with Mike O’Brien’s Silverstone-based Speedsport outfit.

Macleod was the runaway UK Formula Ford champion in 2007 but endured a low key year last season managing only a handful of outings in O’Brien’s historic F.Ford Merlyn. He did find time to race in British Formula 3 however when sampling the then untried Litespeed chassis at Snetterton before a one off National Class race seat with T-Sport at the championship’s final round at Donington Park where he recorded fastest race lap.. 

Since his first single seater title two years ago, Macleod admitted that F3 had always been the goal.

“I am delighted to be racing again this year and F3 is where I’ve wanted to be since I won the FF championship,” he said. “I am really pleased to have this deal which enables Mike and the Speedsport team to combine their strengths and understanding of my requirements with the expertise of Team West-Tec in this championship.

“Testing is going well, and I am relishing the opportunity to compete on some of the best circuits in the world this season.”

Team West-Tec’s Co-Team Principal John Miller was equally delighted with his new signing.

“Callum should be a very good signing for us. We have now raced in Spain for two seasons, during which time we have taken one championship, won 12 races and taken 30 podiums,” he said. “In 2009 we are determined we will be fighting for both the drivers’ and teams championships, and Callum is going to be a very important part of that. Callum is a quality driver with an excellent pedigree and I look forward to seeing him on the top step of the podium.”

Speedsport’s Mike O’Brien meanwhile clarified the deal between the two teams.

“With a very tight budget in place thanks to a small group of long time Speedsport supporters, it was decided that the car would be prepared at our premises, and that we would link up with Team West-Tec for testing and racing purposes,” he said. “They have two years successful experience in Spanish F3, and in Gavin Wills and Paul South a very solid engineering base which we can benefit from. 

“Early tests indicate that this is going to be a very fruitful and enjoyable partnership.”

Catch Spanish F3 on Motors TV throughout 2009.


Tom Hornsby