ART sign Smolyar for second season of F3

Alex Smolyar has signed up for another season with ART Grand Prix in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, following on from his rookie campaign with the French team.

Smolyar enjoyed a promising first campaign with ART at this level, with ten top 10 finishes and one pole position. The Russian will be hoping to build on that in his sophomore season and challenge for the podiums and wins.

“I’m glad to continue working with a team of such a high level as ART Grand Prix,” Smolyar elated. “We have already gotten to know each other well and the atmosphere in the team will be pleasant and familiar for me.

“This is one of the best teams in the championship, so we have a chance for some good results. My goal for this season is to win, of course. There can be no other goal in such a team. Also, I've already got the experience, so that means a lot.

“Last year I tried a lot of new things for myself. Now I can focus on some more important moments. I would like to thank SMP Racing and ART Grand Prix for their trust and support. I will try to do my best and achieve our goals.”

The SMP-backed racer made the step-up to single-seaters at the age of 16 and went on to finish second in Spanish Formula 4 and third in F4 Northern Europe. The 19-year-old then went on to take third in Formula Renault Eurocup in 2019.

Team Principal Sébastien Philippe added: “Alex made a good start in his inaugural F3 season which raised our hopes, but several retirements in the early races slowed his momentum.

"His driving qualities are solid and he has made great personal and technical progress. He ended the year with a series of very good results in an ultra-competitive championship where it is easy to doubt and to lose your marks. With his new confidence and conviction of his talent, Alex should be able to join the fight for the title in 2021.”