Sophia Flörsch will step up to the European Formula 3 Championship with Van Amersfoort Racing for the remainder of the season, including the 65th running of the Macau Grand Prix, with immediate effect.
After enjoying much success in Ginetta Juniors and Formula 4 championships across Italy and Germany, the 17-year old took some time off from racing to concentrate on her school exams.
The German took part in winter testing for with the VAR team at the Red Bull Ring in March in preparation for a season in the series but was unable to reach a deal to compete from the beginning of the year.
Flörsch said: "After a period in which I had to give priority to passing my school exams, it feels great to know I will be back in the racing seat again to fully focus on my racing career.
"I am very grateful to my loyal sponsors and the effort put in by VAR and their engine partner HWA and the further partners that will join our project, which we will announce soon.”
"Stepping up from Formula 4 into the highly competitive FIA Formula 3 European Championship is an extreme challenge, but we all see it as a next step up the learning curve.
"I will give my utmost to reward all stakeholders and with the experience and support of VAR, I am convinced that I will learn a lot. I have more than ever an excited feeling about my future career."
Frits van Amersfoort, founder of Van Amersfoort Racing added: “We warmly welcome Sophia to the team. Her drive to climb the autosport ladder deserves lots of respect.
"During winter testing her performance behind the wheel convinced us of her qualities. We expect that with enough mileage and time to learn, she can be competitive in Formula 3.
"Of course, it is not ideal to enter the series now the season is already underway, but we will use all our experience and dedication to help Sophia get familiar with Formula 3 as soon as possible."
Flörsch's first race in the series will be at Zandvoort on the weekend of July 14-15.
