Felipe Guimaraes joins British F3 grid with Fortec

The 22-year-old Brazilian, a race winner in South American F3 this season and a podium finisher in A1GP, will drive the Dallara-Mercedes campaigned so far this year in European F3 by Dmitry Suranovich and Ed Jones.

Guimaraes, who has also raced in GP3, Formula 3000 and Indy Lights, is currently in the middle of a two-day test at Pembrey alongside Fortec's European F3 regulars Felix Serralles, Josh Hill and Pipo Derani.

It is understood that Puerto Rican Serralles is almost certain to join the British F3 grid, starting with the Silverstone opener on May 25/26.

Fortec boss Richard Dutton said: "I watched Felipe in A1GP and he looked pretty useful, so hopefully he should be all right. We're hoping to announce a couple more drivers in the next few days."

NO BRITISH F3 FOR TINCKNELL

Meanwhile, European F3 race winner Harry Tincknell has declared that he is unlikely to join Carlin's line-up for British F3.

"I would have liked to have done it but, if the funds aren't there, there's not a lot you can do about it," he said.

"Also, my European F3 programme is going well - we had a slight blip last weekend [at Hockenheim] but we really want to push on with that.

"Having said that, I'm sure Carlin will put out a strong team for British F3."