British Formula 3

Calbimonte joins T-Sport for British Formula 3 campaign-

Bolivian driver Pedro Pablo Calbimonte is the latest addition to the Cooper Tires British Formula 3 International Series. The 21-year-old will race a National class car for the T-Sport team for the remainder of the season, starting with next week’s (26-28 July) Spa-Francorchamps rounds.

Calbimonte enjoyed his first taste of F3 power yesterday (Thursday) in a test at the Anglesey circuit and acquitted himself well, said T-Sport boss Russell Eacott: “It was a difficult day for him – Pedro has not been in a car for nine months – and it is a big jump to Formula 3 from what he had driven previously. He did a good job, though, and knows now what to expect and what sort of work he must put it.”

His will be one of four National class machines within the 29-car British Formula 3 field in Belgium, joining T-Sport’s points leader Spike Goddard on the grid along with Double R’s Duvashen Padayachee and CF Racing man Adderly Fong.

Ex-karter Calbimonte claimed a podium finish in Formula Renault UK last season but has not raced since last September. “I have been waiting since then for an opportunity to return to Britain to race,” said the Bolivian, “and I am delighted that finally one has come along.

“I was really impressed by the car yesterday, and particularly by the grip in fast corners. I think I had a good day, improving every session, but it was hard and I was very tired by the end. I have to work hard on my fitness, I know, but they say that the best training comes with time in the car.

“Spa will not be easy because I have never driven the circuit, but I am looking forward to the challenge.”

The Belgian rounds of British Formula 3, which incorporate the FIA European F3 Championship, get underway with qualifying on Thursday, followed by two races on Friday and a finale on Saturday ahead of the Spa 24 Hours sports car race.