Red Bull junior Jonny Edgar has been forced to pull out from FIA F3 series due to health issues as Oliver Rasmussen steps in to replace him.
After a sedate first F3 season with Carlin 2021 where he finished 18th, Edgar switched to title winners Trident for the 2022 season. But luck didn’t change for the Red Bull junior as he couldn’t score points in the first round in Bahrain.
Gearing up for the second round in Imola, Trident announced the departure of Edgar from its line-up after the Brit revealed that he has been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease. Since he won’t match the required fitness levels, he will be replaced by Rasmussen.
The Danish driver makes his return to the series having switched to sportscar racing with Jota Sport. “I am delighted to line up for the upcoming events of the FIA Formula 3 Championship with Trident Motorsport,” said Rasmussen. “Joining the line-up of the reigning champion team is something that only happens a handful of times in a driver’s career, and I want to make the most out of this chance.
“I want to thank Trident Motorsport for the opportunity and to Jota Sport for their continued support. I will give my 100 percent on track to reward the trust that Trident Motorsport has placed in me, and I cannot wait to wear the team’s colors.”
For 2020 ADAC F4 winner, Edgar, it is a hard pill to digest at an early age. It is unclear how long it will take for him to recover, but he is keeping his hopes alive. “As a family, we have made the extremely difficult decision that I will not continue in the 2022 FIA F3 Championship until I am feeling well again,” the Red Bull junior stated.
“Having recently been diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, at the present time I am simply unable to physically compete at the level required. Once on the correct treatment path, I will hopefully be back to full health/fitness but until then I need to take some time out to prioritise my health.
“I would especially like to thank Red Bull, Trident Motorsport and D Tolson & Sons for their unwaivering support throughout what has been a challenging time. Hope to be back soon,” summed up Edgar, as team manager Giacomo Ricci added:
“It is with great regret that we say goodbye to Jonny Edgar, and we wish him the quickest possible recovery. Since the start of the season, he was weakened by physical issues, but he fought like a lion. He did not back down and continued to race. However, his conditions necessitate a break from his competitive activity to support his recovery.
“Jonny always gave his maximum to the team, he has a fantastic family and is a wonderful guy. Oliver Rasmussen will be replacing Edgar. He is a quick and experienced driver, and we are proud to welcome him to the Trident Motorsport family.
“I am sure that he will quickly gain the chemistry needed to gel with the team, making the most of the four days of testing between Jerez and Barcelona, which will be followed by the round at Imola. We will put up our best effort to help Oliver and we are sure that he will provide a great contribution to the team.”
