Britain’s Harry Tincknell, who suffered a career-threatening hand injury only two months ago after a testing shunt, has become the 3rd driver confirmed for reigning British Formula 3 champions Carlin.
The news comes after a successful operation and continuing physiotherapy on the 19 year-old’s right hand knuckles, which were severely fractured as he was testing for Carlin at the Spa Francorchamps circuit last November.
Both the team and Tincknell however, believe the Exeter-based driver will be back at his best for the 2012 pre-season tests scheduled for early March: “It was a hefty shunt and a bad injury – the specialist said it was one of the worst he had seen – but I'm really happy with the way my recovery has been going and I'm making progress daily and I'm getting back the full range of movement in my hand. Unfortunately it has interrupted my winter training programme and I'm having to play catch-up now.” Harry said.
“The plan is to hopefully get out on track in a junior car towards the end of the month to make sure my hand can cope with the vibrations and stresses, and then to progress from there. I'm confident that by March I will be back to top form.”
A race-winner at Brands Hatch in his maiden season for Fortec Motorsport last year, Tincknell, much like his team-mate Jack Harvey, has his sights aimed much higher as he enters his second British Formula 3 season: “There hasn't been a British champion in British Formula 3 for too many years now – my aim is to put that right. I'm really happy to be going with Carlin: it's the sort of opportunity that no driver can refuse.” he said.
“I've visited the new factory and it's great to see Carlin's commitment and professionalism. You have only to look at their past drivers to see that the whole team is driven to succeed in this series – I want to be another of their successful names.”
Team principle Trevor Carlin said he had every confidence in his latest signing – leaving only two more seats vacant for the outfit’s 2012 campaign: “It's great to have Harry on board with us as one of our five drivers for the 2012 season. Harry has impressed in all the categories in which he has competed previously and we're looking forward to testing with him and the new car shortly. We believe Harry is capable of fighting for victories and ultimately the championship with Carlin this year.”
