Charouz have announced Ayrton Simmons as their third and final driver in their line-up for 2022 F3 season.
Simmons have spent the last four seasons racing in GB3 (formerly known as British F3 until August 2021), finishing third and second respectively in his two full campaigns in 2019 & 21.
Last season in particular saw the 20 year-old claim five podiums consisting of four wins and a second-placed finish in GB3, as well as make his debut in the final round of the 2021 F3 season in Sochi, Russia where he impressed with two solid rookie drives to move forward from his grid slot of 26th.
Charouz consequently have now signed the Brit for a proper rookie season with Simmons feeling “very grateful” to be given the chance to step up to F3.
On his expectations of mounting a full season in F3 after making his debut in late September 2021, Simmons is anticipating “a demanding and exciting challenge”, as he can’t wait to get back into the car and “find a good feeling” with the car to ensure he starts the season on the front foot.
Simmons won’t be the only Brit on the grid this season with Ollie Bearman, Zak O’Sullivan and Reece Ushijima also graduating from GB3, whilst Jonny Edgar is returning for a second season in the category as he switches from Carlin to Trident.
The Harlow-born driver though is excited to race against the entire grid on “legendary tracks like those on the calendar, especially at Silverstone which will be my home race.”
Simmons also is targeting further success up the grid this season as he added: “A good result there would be a dream, but we’ll obviously try to give our best in every round and take every opportunity to end in the top positions.”
Charouz Team Principal, Antonin Charouz meanwhile added that signing Simmons to a full-time drive is “a pleasure” after the Brit enjoyed a positive debut in Sochi which Charouz believes will serve as “enormous value” coming into this season,
Simmons will partner Laszlo Toth and Francesco Pizzi this season with Charouz now confident that his F3 team boasts “three drivers of undoubted talent and potential,” with the aim of challenging for points regularly throughout the season.
Pre-season testing will take place between 2-4 March in Bahrain with Charouz insisting that the team are working hard to ensure that the three days of testing are maximised, ahead of the first race also in Bahrain between 18-20 March.
Two in-season tests will follow in Spain in April at Jerez on 5-6 April then Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 15-16 April.
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