Arden Motorsport will make their debut in the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship this weekend (22-23 May) as the 2021 campaign kicks off around the iconic Brands Hatch Grand Prix circuit.

The Banbury-based team move into the UK’s premier tier of single seater racing this season with two graduates from last season’s British Formula 4 line-up, namely Alex Connor and Frederick Lubin.

Connor was thrice a race winner in F4 last season en route to fourth in the standings and enjoyed a promising start to his F3 career out in Asia at Dubai Autodrome and Yas Marina earlier in the year.

Lubin, meanwhile, scored an impressive six Rookie wins in his first season of single seater competition and was on the class podium in all but seven outings on his way to the vice-champion honours, prompting the step up to Formula 3 machinery.

Now, both will embark on a new challenge for both driver and team, starting with one of the UK’s most challenging venues in Brands Hatch.

The 2.4-mile Kent circuit kicks off a 24-race, 8-round championship comprising each of the nation’s premier venues, plus an overseas trip to Spa-Francorchamps.

A full day of testing on the Indy configuration kicks off this action this weekend, with a further session on the GP loop on Saturday morning (09:00).

Qualifying (11:50) and the opening race (15:30) will start off the competitive action, with another pair of races at 11:10 and 16:15 on Sunday, both of which will be broadcast live on the series’ YouTube channel.

Gary Ward, Arden British F3 Team Manager said:

“It’s a very exciting week for the entire team as we prepare for our BRDC British Formula 3 Championship debut at Brands Hatch.

“It’s a new challenge for us, and for both our drivers, and it’ll no doubt be a very competitive field, but continuity could be a real advantage for us.

“Both drivers are feeling relaxed and comfortable after a solid pre-season programme, and of course we all have a great working partnership after our time together in British F4 last season.

“I don’t think setting specific goals or targets is beneficial for us at this stage, the important thing is to go out there, put our best showing in and then get a benchmark for where we are to build from.”


Alex Connor (#27) said:

“I’m looking forward to the opening round of the BRDC British Formula 3 Championship this weekend, and to be back racing.

“It has been really good to drive the car over the last couple of weeks, it’s fantastic to drive and I can’t wait to get the most out of it during qualifying, and in the races.

“I think this year is going to be really competitive, but I’m confident we’ll put in a good showing."

Frederick Lubin (#78) said:

“I’m really excited for Brands Hatch this weekend. Our test day there last Thursday was really good, and the pace was strong.

“Everything will change in qualifying, but I’m still very excited to be racing again. Hopefully it’ll be a good first outing for myself and the team in the championship.”