Van Amersfoort Racing has signed Reece Ushijima for the 2022 F3 season.
Ushijima spent the 2021 season racing for Hitech GP in F3 Asia and GB3 where he finished 12th and fourth in each championship respectively, during which he took two race victories in the GB3 campaign.
The 19 year-old Japanese-American then participated in the 2021 F3 Post-Season Test for Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) on Days One and Two in which he finished 25th and 12th respectively, before switching to Campos for the final day where he finished 11th overall.
Speaking about his decision to join VAR, Ushijima said: “To be racing with such an experienced and successful team as Van Amersfoort Racing is a great privilege.
“Seeing how motivated and hardworking they were during post-season testing at Valencia has made me really excited to what we can achieve this year.”
Ushijima though has warned fans not to expect instant success this season as he added: “It may be an uphill battle, as it is both the team’s and my first year competing in the FIA F3, but I believe we can achieve something special with our combined determination.”
VAR CEO, Rob Niessink meanwhile praised Ushijima for his performance during the post-season test in Valencia in November, as he commented: “We first worked with Reece during post-season testing at Valencia last year and he impressed us.”
Niessink echoed Ushijima’s remarks concerning expectations as he added: “It will be both his and our first season in this car, so for sure there is lots to be learned, but Reece’s determination excites us.
“His interaction with the team was impressive and he showed to be a quick learner. The level of progress he booked during the two days he tested with us is a clear indicator of his potential.
We have been preparing our entry into this category to the finest detail and are absolutely thrilled to get going early next month!”
VAR will announce details of the two drivers who will partner Ushijima in due course.