Charouz Racing System has confirmed David Schumacher – son of Ralf – alongside Niko Kari and Igor Fraga for 2020 FIA Formula 3 (F3) Championship season.
Having competed in the FIA Formula European Regional Championship in 2019 with US Racing and two rounds of F3 with Campos Racing, Schumacher has confirmed a full-time move in the series in 2020 with Czech outfit Charouz Racing System.
He is the first confirmed driver of the team in F3 – who are no longer a partner of Sauber Motorsport – as they ran in 2019. Schumacher, in fact, raced with them in the 2019 Macau GP, where the German finished 21st on his debut in the event.
“I feel really happy and grateful to make the step up to FIA Formula 3 full-time with Charouz,” said Schumacher. “I drove two events at the end of last year and that was good preparation for the season ahead.
“I got to learn more about the car, and that’s valuable as we don’t have many practice opportunities during race weekends. I think we can make a step forward this season and I will try and finish as high as possible.”
Schumacher will be joined by Kari and Fraga, where the former is an experienced campaigner and switches to Charouz after a year with Trident. At the same time, the Brazilian graduates from Regional F3 after coming through the eSports ladder.
“I’m really looking forward to this year,” said Kari. “It will be a nice challenge to go and fight for podiums and why not for the championship as well? It’s going to be an interesting journey with Charouz and I’m sure we can work well together.
“I want to improve myself as a racing driver and Charouz is a very professional team. I’m hoping this can be the start of a long-term relationship and that we can make a good season out of it.”
And, Fraga added: “I’m really looking forward to joining the F3 field with Charouz. It is a competitive series and a very professional environment – running at the same events as F1 is kind a crazy to think about.
“I just can’t wait to start my season. This year is about the process of learning. Of course, the goal is always to win a race, but I am not underestimating the challenge ahead either. I will give my best and push to achieve my goals.”
2020 F3 line-up so far:
Jenzer Motorsport: Calan Williams, Matteo Nannini
Prema Racing: Logan Sargeant, Frederik Vesti and Oscar Piastri
ART Grand Prix: Alexander Smolyar, Theo Pourchaire and Sebastian Fernandez
HWA Racelab: Jake Hughes, Enzo Fittipaldi and Jack Doohan
Trident: Lirim Zendeli
Hitech GP: Max Fewtrell, Liam Lawson and Dennis Hauger
Charouz Racing System: David Schumacher, Niko Kari and Igor Fraga
Here’s the full calendar of F3 for 2020
Here’s the testing calendar of F3 for 2020
Here’s details on the changed F2 and F3 regulation for 2020