Sutil to coach Euro F3 rookie

Formula 1 veteran Adrian Sutil is to act as coach and consultant to new Formula 3 European Championship driver Jules Szymkowiak.

The 18-year-old Dutchman, who has made the leap from the Formula BMW Talent Cup training series, will make his public race debut in the series with Van Amersfoort Racing.

Szymkowiak said: "I am often training together with Adrian and recently I travelled with him to the F1 test at Jerez.

"This year is Adrian's first with Sauber in F1 while I am in my first season with Van Amersfoort Racing in F3 - we have both said that a position in the top eight in the final championship standings is our goal.

"Certainly that is ambitious, but you need something you can focus on."

Szymkowiak took eight wins in the BMW series, but missed out on a podium position in the deciding finale at Oschersleben, where he met new team boss Frits van Amersfoort.

"I am well aware that this is a big step, but when you don't set ambitious goals for yourself you are getting nowhere," he added.

Van Amersfoort, in whose Dallara-Volkswagen Szymkowiak completed eight days of testing before Christmas at Silverstone, Barcelona and Valencia, said: "He is eager to learn and develops well.

"Working with him during the first test days was a very pleasant experience and we are looking forward to a good season."