Jordan King has vowed to make ‘a positive impression’ as he graduates to both the European and recently-downscaled British Formula 3 International championships with Carlin Motorsport for 2013.
Stoneleigh’s King will make the step up to Formula 3 after two competitive years in motorsport, racing in the UK Formula Renault championship and finishing runner-up in both the 2012 Formula Renault Northern European Cup and 2012/13 MRF Challenge in India.
King said: “Physically, it isn’t too much of a step-up, to be honest, and the more I have driven the F3 car, the easier it has felt. There isn’t a great deal more power, although the engine is more responsive than in the Formula Renault. It’s mainly about getting used to the different G-Forces and the fact that there is more downforce. Overall, it just feels like a natural progression.
“I’m not going to be the title favourite by any stretch of the imagination, but I’ll be disappointed if I’m not up there competing towards the front of the field. I think that’s a reasonable target.”
The 18-year-old McLaren AUTOSPORT Award finalist, British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Rising Star and MSA Academy member will join Formula 3 giants Carlin Motorsport for his assault on the championships, and added: “Carlin has a superb track record – comfortably the best of any team in recent British F3 history.
“Even with the debut of a new car last season, they got on top of it in no time at all and went on to clinch the championship – for the fifth year in a row – which demonstrates real expertise and strength-in-depth.
“They’re a fantastic bunch of guys, and what ultimately swung it in their favour is that Carlin offers more possibilities later down the line, with the potential to graduate with the team into GP2, GP3 or the World Series by Renault if you make a positive impression.”
Team principal Trevor Carlin on the other hand believes King could become a major challenger despite his rookie status, saying: “We’ve been watching Jordan’s career with interest for a while now, and he’s clearly a very promising British talent. F3 is the perfect environment for a young driver to learn the basics of developing a car and the effect of aerodynamics.
“Jordan has shown all the signs that he is more than ready for this step in his career, and despite the challenge that lies ahead as a rookie, I anticipate him being a real contender in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. I look forward to seeing what surprises he can deliver.”
