Pedro Piquet, the son of three-times Formula 1 World Champion Nelson Piquet, will race for Van Amersfoort Racing in the 2016 edition of the FIA European Formula 3 Championship.
Piquet, now a two-time Brazilian Formula 3 Champion after following his 2014 with a second title in 2015, moves to European competition for the first time in 2016, and has selected Dutch team Van Amersfoort Racing due to their pedigree in the sport.
“If you take look at the results of the last seasons in European F3, you will see that Van Amersfoort Racing is in the battle for the championship every year,” said Piquet, who has tested with team since the conclusion of the 2015 Euro F3 season.
“I also like the atmosphere within the team: a relaxed, almost family atmosphere yet with the ambition to win. I am confident that together with Van Amersfoort Racing I can show the world what I am capable of at the track.
“The FIA European F3 Championship is incredibly competitive with grids of over 30 cars. In this championship I have the opportunity to grow as a driver.
“Above all, this season will be a learning year. Especially on new tracks I will have an disadvantage, but for the second half of the season I aim for top 10 results.”
Fritz van Amersfoort, the team owner of the Dutch outfit, has welcomed the decision of Piquet to join the team, and will be hoping the Brazilian will follow in the footsteps of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc in being multiple race winners with the squad.
“The family Piquet know all the trick of the trade,” said van Amersfoort. “For us it is a big compliment that Pedro and Nelson opted for us.
“Pedro has the dedication it takes to be a successful racing driver. We are going to help him turning his ambitions into results.”
