Todt protege Laclerc secures F3 deal

Formula Renault ALPS runner-up Charles Leclerc is to contest the Formula 3 European Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing. The 17-year-old Monaco resident, who is managed by Nicolas Todt, tested a Dallara-Volkswagen for the Dutch team at the end of the five-day Valencia test just before Christmas.

His signing is a coup for VAR, as Leclerc had previously tested F3 machinery with Prema Powerteam, Carlin and Fortec Motorsport, the last-named team being the one with which he raced in FRenault last season.

Leclerc joins 16-year-old karter Alessio Lorandi in the lineup at VAR, which ran Max Verstappen among its three-car line-up in 2014.

"Following the test I did at Valencia, I really look forward to working with such an experienced and professional team," said Leclerc. "The FIA F3 European Championship has produced great champions in the past, so I think it's the best place for me to keep growing as a driver."

Team boss Frits van Amersfoort added: "Charles impressed us with his performance in karting and in the ALPS championship, securing the vice-championship in his first year is impressive.

"He has the raw speed and racecraft to play a prominent role in F3. It's our challenge to give him the tools to be successful from the very beginning."

Originally on Autosport.com