Charouz Racing System has announced Niko Kari, David Schumacher and Igor Fraga as its driver line-up for the 2020 FIA Formula 3 season.
Kari is the most experienced out of the trio to race in this series having raced with Trident last year, where he claimed 12th in the Drivers’ Standings with 36 points.
The Finn has also competed in four races with MP Motorsport in Russia and Abu Dhabi in Formula 2 in 2018 before returning to F3.
The 20-year-old aims to raise his game this year, as he has not won a race in F3 since the GP3 days in 2017 with Arden.
“I’m really looking forward to this year. It will be a nice challenge to go and fight for podiums and why not for the championship as well? It’s going to be an interesting journey with Charouz and I’m sure we can work well together,” Kari confidently shared.
“I want to improve myself as a race driver and Charouz is a very professional team. I’m hoping this can be the start of a long-term relationship and that we can make a good season out of it.”
David Schumacher, son of six-time F1 Grand Prix winner Ralf Schumacher, goes into his first full-season in the championship, having served two races for Campos Racing at the 2019 season finale in Sochi. He also clinched fourth in the Formula Regional European Championship that saw him take four race wins.
The 18-year-old German said: “I feel really happy and grateful to make the step up to FIA Formula 3 full-time with Charouz.
“I drove two events at the end of last year and that was good preparation for the season ahead. I got to learn more about the car, and that’s valuable as we don’t have many practice opportunities during race weekends. I think we can make a step forward this season and I will try and finish as high as possible.”
Igor Fraga heads into his maiden FIA Formula 3 campaign after finishing third in the Formula Regional European Championship last season including for wins. The Brazilian was also runner-up in the 2017-18 FIA Formula 4 Nacam Championship.
The 21-year-old expects his 2020 season to be a “process of learning” but targets fighting amongst the grid that already has “a lot of talent”.
“For me it has been quite tough to get to where I am right now, and I’m looking forward to joining the field of Formula 3 with Charouz,” Fraga added.
“It is a competitive series with a lot of talent, and a lot of talent, and a lot of good teams, so I’m very excited to start my season. This year is about the process of learning. Of course, the goal is always to win a race, but I am not underestimating the challenge ahead either. I will give my best and push to achieve my goals.”