Joshua Dufek will step up to the highest echelon of Formula 3 competition this weekend as he makes his FIA F3 Championship debut with Campos Racing at the Italian Grand Prix, round 15 of the Formula One World Championship.
The FIA Formula 3 Championship was created ahead of the 2019 season, combining the former GP3 and European F3 series to form a defined entry point for young talent to join the F1 circus and provide the perfect training ground for the jump to F2 and, ultimately, F1. Each weekend event features two races and partially reversed grids, which put the onus on drivers managing each aspect of the Dallara-Mecachrome combination — which puts out 380hp and can reach a top speed of 300km/h — in order to maximise their point-scoring potential. Some 38 drivers have already made the jump from F3 to F2, and the Monza outing gives Josh a taste of what may lie in his future.
Adrian Campos Motorsport, which became Campos Racing in 2005, was founded by former F1 and touring car driver Adrián Campos who, once his career was over, dedicated himself to creating a framework to enable new drivers to develop their own. Amongst the myriad of talent to have passed through the team's doors are F1 stars Fernando Alonso, Sergio Perez, Marc Gene and Vitaly Petrov, along with Formula E champion Lucas di Grassi and current IndyCar points leader — and previous champion — Alex Palou. The team is currently contesting both the FIA F2 and F3 series, and sits third in both the team and driver standings in F3.
“I’m extremely thrilled and thankful to both Campos Racing and PPM to have been given this opportunity and can’t wait to work closely with the team to learn as much as I can," Josh commented. "As I’ve only competed in FRECA up until now, it’ll be a bit of a jump into the unknown but, after a long summer break, I really couldn’t be more excited to hit the track — and it’ll be nice to experience some more speed and power from the FIA F3 machine.”
"This is a great opportunity for Josh," Kevin Korjus of Peak Performance Management (PPM) added. "It's the last round of the FIA F3 season, but it gives him the chance to test the waters with little pressure on his shoulders. Thanks to Campos Racing for including Josh in their line-up this weekend — especially with one of their drivers still in the championship hunt. We wish the team, and of course Josh, the best of luck for Monza."
The Italian Grand Prix, featuring the FIA F3 Championship, takes place over the weekend of 1-3 September.
