British F3: Sainz Jr to make move to British F3

Carlos Sainz Jr, is close to agreeing a deal which will see him competing in the British F3 International Series during the 2011 season in a Red Bull-backed car.

This year Sainz has been competing in the Formula BMW Europe Series.  He is currently sitting third in the standings and has won one race, at Silverstone; he is also the front runner in the Rookie Cup.

If the 15-year-old makes his way over to British F3, he will be able to gain a lot of experience with nearly up to 6200 miles of testing during the course of the year.

The Spanish driver’s dad – Sainz Sr told Motorsport News he feels the most important thing for his son at the moment is getting a lot of seat time.

“At the moment I’m not sure about Carlos Jr. It’s up to Red Bull and Helmut Marko to decide,” he said. “I think it will either be Formula Ford or Formula Renault.  He will only be 16 next month so GP3 would be too big a step. He needs time in the car; he doesn’t have enough experience in a single-seater for that.

“He needs lots of practice and testing. He needs to learn the job of a driver and how to test.”

Red Bull has run cars in association with Carlin in the previous three seasons of the British F3 International series and on each occasion has won the title.

Catch this year’s remaining British F3 rounds from Snetterton and Brands Hatch on Motors TV.


Josh Modaberi