Van der Helm completes MP Motorsport roster for 2021

MP Motorsport have completed their driver line-up for the 2021 Formula 3 campaign, announcing the capture of Dutch racer Tijmen van der Helm.

Backed by the Dutch federation’s TeamNL programme, Van der Helm will make the step up from Formula Renault Eurocup, where he finished 12th with one podium and 45 points. The 17-year-old also competed in the 2020 Toyota Racing Series, where he scored one win.

“I am very happy to be a Formula 3 driver with MP Motorsport in 2021,” said Van der Helm. “This will be a very important step in my career, as Formula 3 is the category where the very best young single-seater talents go head-to-head – exactly the place where I need to show what I’m capable of.

“Furthermore, it’s a great prospect to be so close to Formula 1 – seeing and hearing those cars will add something special to each and every race meeting. Moreover, it is great to return to the old nest. I have wonderful memories of my year with MP in the Spanish F4 championship, so if it is up to me, we will create more good memories next year.”

Van der Helm previously linked up with MP in the 2019 Spanish Formula 4 Championship, when he scored eight podiums and finished fourth.

The 17-year-old also has experience in UAE F4 and will be joined at MP by Alpine juniors Victor Martins and Caio Collet.

Team manager Sander Dorsman added: “It's fantastic news that Tijmen will be driving with us again. I'm looking forward to working together as we did in 2019. With Tijmen, Victor and Caio, our Formula 3 line-up consists of three very fast and talented rookies who will start the season hungry for success.

“I'm very curious to see how they will challenge each other to get the best out of each other. I know one thing for sure – this will be an amazing year.”