Brit F3: Vergne chasing F1 chance

Jean-Eric Vergne is hoping his British F3 exploits this year have helped him secure a Formula 1 test at the end of the season.

The Frenchman has dominated this year’s championship, wrapping up the title last Sunday thanks to his 12th win of the campaign with six races still remaining.

Now the Red Bull-backed 20-year-old is hoping to feature in the young driver F1 test scheduled for after the season’s final grand prix at Abu Dhabi on September 16-18, either at the wheel of the championship leading RB6 or Toro Rosso STR5.

“Everybody knows that F1 is the end goal, of course,” he told Motorsport News. “I’m getting closer and closer but there is still some way to go. I’m positive about it and I want to be in F1 as soon as possible but there are still many things to do. Winning this title is the perfect stepping stone towards that.”

Despite winning British F3 at a canter, Vergne remains hungry to score even more victories in the final two rounds at Snetterton and Brands Hatch.

“I’m going to try and win many more races in British F3,” he said. “My approach at Snetterton will be just the same. I want to win as much as I can.”

Vergne’s end of season also includes stints in Formula Renault 3.5 as replacement for ex-Tech 1 racer Brendon Hartley.

Catch Vergne in British F3 and World Series by Renault action on Motors TV.

Tom Hornsby