F.BMW: Championship runner-up Harvey set for British F3

Formula BMW Europe runner-up Jack Harvey will progress to the British Formula 3 championship next season.

The 17 year-old narrowly missed out on the F.BMW title at Monza last weekend, with Dutch rival Robin Frijns pipping the Fortec man by 11 points, despite Harvey claiming victory in the season's final race.

But the Lincolnshire-born driver is undeterred by his failure to secure the F1 support-series crown, and now plans to contest his native F3 series in 2011.

"I think I have shown people that I have the ability this season, and the news that I am going to graduate to British F3 is great," said Harvey.

"I've been to some of the rounds and it's a great category that can lead you to a number of steps further up the ladder. I can't wait to start a test programme."

Harvey is one of a number of drivers backed by the Racing Steps Foundation, which seeks to help young British racers progress through the junior ranks. RSF spokesman Derek Walters has revealed that he informed Harvey of the foundation's plans to place him in F3 next season over the Monza weekend, and believes the time is right for the youngster to step up.

"Despite what happened, Jack has shown enormous ability this season, and placing him in British F3 was the logical thing to do," Walters told Motorsport News. "He has grown as a driver over the course of the season and, with the mileage and experience he will gain in British F3, it's the logical choice."

Carlin driver James Calado has run in the RSF colours during this year's British F3 campaign, and enters the final race of the season as favourite to take runner-up spot to teammate Jean-Eric Vergne. An announcement is yet to be made on which team Harvey will race for in 2011.

Watch Formula BMW Europe highlights from the final round at Monza on Saturday 18 September at 9pm (BST) on Motors TV.


James Weeks.