FIA Formula 3 podium-finisher Christian Mansell is ready to make his mark and challenge for more silverware this year as he prepares to launch his second season in the championship next weekend (29 February-02 March) in Bahrain.
The Australian rising star is certainly one-to-watch in the ultra-competitive Formula 1 support category this year, following his hugely impressive maiden campaign in which he recorded two podium finishes and received the Dallara Award for Best Comeback of the Year.
Mansell, who resides in Newcastle, New South Wales, has forged a prospering partnership with ART Grand Prix ahead of the new season, having teamed up with them for the post-season FIA Formula 3 tests last year and a debut appearance in the prestigious Macau Grand Prix.
After his stunning cameo in the Formula Regional Oceania Championship in January, recording one win and four podium finishes from six races, Mansell returned to FIA Formula 3 duty with the official pre-season test in Bahrain earlier this month.
Three days of running gave the 19-year-old talent the chance to complete almost 150 laps of the 5.41km circuit and gain crucial track knowledge ahead of the opening weekend, with encouraging lap times ensuring he heads into the season opener confident of starting the year strongly.
Christian Mansell: “I’m feeling good for the first race of the year in FIA Formula 3. The ART Grand Prix car showed good pace through testing in Bahrain, so I’m confident we can go back there and make it a good start to the season. I can’t wait to get on it!”
Mansell, who is racing this year thanks to the continued support of AJM Transport, Castrol, Vawdrey Trailers, Sargeant Transport and Ultimate Driving Tours, will once again contest a 10-weekend, 20-race schedule this year that includes an exciting home round on the Albert Park Circuit in Melbourne, Australia next month.
Images from Dutch Photo Agency.