Van Amersfoort promote Menezes to European F3 seat for 2014

Photo: formel3.de

American racer Gustavo Menezes will join the ranks of the European F3 championship in 2014, continuing his partnership with Van Amersfoort Racing.

Menezes, 19, first joined the Dutch squad in German F3 last year and was one of the season’s six race winners on his way to fourth in the standings.

Prior to that, the California native primarily raced in the Road to Indy scene, securing eighth and ninth respectively in his two years in the Star Mazda Championship.

“2013 was a big year for Gustavo, and one which saw him achieve the results which we knew were possible from a driver of his natural talent and ability”, said the driver’s manager Chris Hartfield. “The combination of Gustavo’s revived work ethic and his professional approach, combined with the supportive environment created by VAR really played a big part in his success last season. I am delighted we are able to keep Gustavo with VAR for the next challenge of his career, and we are highly motivated to making sure Gustavo continues his development and achieves the maximum level of success in 2014.”

Van Amersfoort Racing took seventh in the teams’ standings of the European F3 championship in 2013, securing a sole podium finish courtesy of Sven Muller.

“We are really delighted to have Gustavo with us for the 2014 FIA F3 season,” stated team boss Frits Van Amersfoort. “Gustavo did a great job for us in the ATS team, and developed over the course of the season extremely well; winning races and making regular appearances on the podium. Gustavo has a unique way of lifting the team’s morale and making the race team a genuinely more energetic place. This is a skill which I am sure will serve him well in the coming season, and will see him make his transition into the FIA F3 Championship smooth and successful. Pre-season testing has been very encouraging, and we are all very excited to getting the season underway.”

2014 FIA F3 European Championship lineup so far