F3: Russell switches to Hitech

George Russell will switch to the new Hitech GP team for the 2016 Formula 3 European Championship. The British driver finished sixth in this year's standings as a rookie with Carlin, but has tested extensively with Hitech since the season finished. Russell was forced out of Carlin's Macau Grand Prix F3 lineup one week before the event.

"After testing with Hitech at the end of the F3 season, it was obvious to me how professional they were and how motivated they are to win," said Russell. "By being let down at the last minute for Macau, it made any decision in joining Hitech an easy choice.

"The team showed [when it raced] in Hockenheim it can be immediately competitive. I am really looking forward to the season."

Hitech made its debut at the Algarve round in September with Alexander Sims – who grabbed a pair of top fives in its second outing at Hockenheim – and will expand to field three cars next year. It has formed a technical alliance with AOTech, a joint venture between ART Grand Prix and OAK Racing.

"Since George sat in our car post-Hockenheim, I have made no secret of the fact we would love to have him with us next season," team manager David Hayle said. "In the testing to date he has impressed us with his maturity and professionalism and, hopefully, with some good steps forward over the winter we can fight at the sharp end in 2016."

Originally on Autosport.com