McLaren Autosport Award finalist Aaron Steele will make his Formula 3 debut at Snetterton next weekend (Sunday, July 5), driving for Litespeed F3.
Following a shakedown test at the Norfolk circuit on Tuesday (June 23), 20-year-old Steele, who lives in Rochester, will race in rounds nine and ten of the Cooper Tires British F3 Championship. The challenging series boasts a roll of honour that includes Lewis Hamilton, Jenson Button, Ayrton Senna and Sir Jackie Stewart.
Steele's F3 shakedown was disrupted by problems with his seat position and the car's cooling system, which limited him to a total of 29 laps. He now plans to complete another test before his race debut at Snetterton and will travel to Litespeed F3's headquarters for a second seat fitting.
Steele said: “The team worked through the night to make sure the car was ready for the test and there are so many positives going forward. From the little running I had, I felt confident with the car. It was enjoyable to drive, although I need more time to establish exactly what it can achieve. Racing for Litespeed F3 is a mega opportunity and it's important that I have good races and achieve good results. I'm confident that we'll shortly be right up there.”
Nino Judge, Litespeed F3 team principal, commented: “Aaron Steele is an extremely talented young driver who has the potential to go all the way to Formula 1. This is not just because of his proven technical understanding and racing ability; he also has the right temperament – he's ambitious but not egotistical, which makes him a marketable driver. He brings his legitimate aspirations to Litespeed F3 and in return we will give him the opportunities and support that such a naturally gifted driver deserves. We're always interested in supporting talented British drivers.”
Steele will line-up alongside Brazilian driver Victor Corrêa in the National Class. Following Snetteton, Steele also plans to compete in his home race – the season finale at Brands Hatch, Kent, in September.
Ends
Notes to editors:
Litespeed F3 has more than 25 years of racing and technical experience at all levels of motor sport.
The Cooper Tires British F3 Championship is the leading single-seat category for drivers hoping to progress their career towards Formula 1. All cars feature similar technical specifications and engines produce a similar amount of power, allowing drivers to demonstrate their racing skills. Tyres are supplied by Cooper Tires (a subsidiary of Avon Tyres), preventing any one team from gaining a grip advantage. Highlights of the 20-round series are shown in the United Kingdom on Channel 4 and on Motors TV (Sky channel 413 or Virgin Media channel 545).
Aaron Steele will race Litespeed F3's impressive R1 car, capable of speeds of more than 160mph and acceleration from 0-60mph in just three seconds. His team-mate will be Victor Corrêa, who currently lies third in the Cooper Tires British F3 Championship National Class.
Press contacts:
Kevin Steele
Mobile: 07958 746843
Email: kevin@aaronsteeleracing.com
For Litespeed F3 enquiries:
Sara Mastriforte
Mobile: 07912 201242
Email: sara@litespeedf3.com