Fernández completes ART Grand Prix line-up

ART Grand Prix have completed their 2020 driver line-up, announcing that Sebastián Fernández has secured the final seat for the new season.

The Venezuelan-Spanish driver joins Alexander Smolyar and Théo Pourchaire at the French team, following a successful first season in FIA Formula 3. While not a points’ finisher, the 19-year-old impressed at Campos Racing, with his maturity and consistency, scoring a highest finish of 12th in the first round, at Barcelona.

Fernández was rewarded with a post-season test in the ART cockpit and made a positive impression on the F3 frontrunners, who will be looking to improve on a strong first season in F3, where they finished third in the Teams’ Championship, with one win. The 19-year-old was then selected for a drive with the team at the FIA F3 World Cup in Macau, where he finished 15th.

On joining the team, Fernández said: “I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to work with a team which has such a strong trajectory for the 2020 season.

“I have already worked with them at the Macau GP and the Valencia tests, where I felt really good. With a team like ART Grand Prix I believe together we can achieve some very good results in the upcoming season.”

Fernández brings with him a wealth of single-seater experience, having competed in no fewer than seven different Championships since his debut in 2016. The Venezuelan-Spanish racer took several wins and podium finishes in Spanish, ADAC, Italian and UEA Formula 4 throughout 2016/17. The 19-year-old then moved up to European F3 for 2018, before his move into the newly-created F3 Championship in 2019.

ART Team Principal Sébastien Philippe added: “Sebastian is only 19 years old but he already has a vast experience in motorsport and in particular, F3. This experience is a major asset in such a cutting-edge championship.

“His first appearance in Macau was solid, he made progress all weekend. During the Valencia tests, he showed the team that he listens well and that he can work diligently with all the members of the team to make the best of his skills. In 2020, he will have all he needs to be regularly in the points and fighting with the front runners.”