Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 Series race winner Ben Barnicoat will get his first taste of Formula 3 next week when he participates in a test at Vallelunga with the multiple championship winning Prema Powerteam.
The Racing Steps Foundation-backed Briton will be joined by 2015 Italian Formula 4 champion Ralf Aron in the test, with Prema looking at the options for their 2016 FIA European Formula 3 Championship line-up.
Barnicoat is looking to follow in the footsteps of fellow Racing Steps Foundation-backed driver Jake Dennis, who races for Prema Powerteam this year and has taken six victories and sits fourth in the championship with one round to go.
“To do the test so early on is a great opportunity to try and get the drive for next year,” said Barnicoat.
“I can be a bit more relaxed because I know that everything’s going to be done right – I’m really excited and grateful for the opportunity.”
Team Manager Rene Rosin admits the relationship between Prema and Racing Steps is positive, and he is looking forward to seeing how Barnicoat goes in the test.
“With Racing Steps everything started two years ago when we first tested Jake [before he joined Carlin for 2014], then he was with us for this year and everything worked very well, and he is fighting for the top three in the championship,” said Rosin.
“From this, everything is very good with RSF, and we are trying to get Ben for the future – that is quite automatic for us.
“Normally, if you are an RSF driver you’re quite good, so we’re really looking forward to it.”
