ART Grand Prix has named David Beckmann as its first driver for the new 2019 FIA Formula 3 Championship.

The French outfit has signed Beckmann for the 2019 F3 season who becomes their first driver and fifth overall in the championship. “I am proud and honoured to be able to race with such a successful and historical team,” he said.

“We worked together already in Abu Dhabi and everything went smooth. It felt immediately warm and familiar. The work was very professional and precise and I really like this approach because I too am a person who tries to improve in every aspects, every details.

“That’s why it gives me good confidence to achieve very good results with ART.” The German raced in the FIA European F3 Championship until 2017 after which he moved to the GP3 Series in 2018.

He started the season with Jenzer but switched teams mid-year and joined Trident. In the five rounds with the Italian outfit, Beckmann made immediate impact as he claimed three wins and a podium to end up fifth overall in the drivers’ standings.

Team boss Sebastien Philippe added: “David was ART Grand Prix’s toughest opponent in the second half of the GP3 season, where he scored more points than any other driver. He made a name for himself with his speed over the course of a lap and his combativeness during races.

“ART Grand Prix also greatly appreciated his attitude and his technical background during the post-season tests. This initial collaboration reinforced our idea to join forces in Formula 3 in 2019 with the ambition to become the first champions in the history of the discipline.

“His sporting qualities and experience will be major assets in this brand-new championship, where he will become immediately effective with the new car.” The announcements comes but the teams and driver are unable to test as the new car will only be available in January.

2019 F3 line-up so far:

Prema – Marcus Armstrong, Jehan Daruvala

Jenzer – Yuki Tsunoda

HitechGP – Juri Vips

ART – David Beckmann