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Billy Monger returns to racing in F3-based Euroformula Open

Ex-BRDC British F3 racer and Channel 4 Formula 1 pundit Billy Monger will compete in the 2019 Euroformula Open season for Carlin Racing

Monger, who joined Channel 4's Formula 1 coverage for the 2019 season, competed in Euroformula's Winter Series with Carlin and took a best finish of eighth in the second race after clutch problems in the opener.

The British driver has also undertaken testing ahead of his first season in the category, having previously targeted a seat in the new FIA Formula 3 series.

The car uses specially adapted hand-controls. Monger used a similar set-up to compete in BRDC British F3 last year with Carlin, racing again after a crash in British F4 led to the amputation of both of his legs in 2017.

After returning to racing in 2018, Monger scored a pole position at the Donington Park track where the crash happened, and took podiums in the series on his way to sixth in the standings.

EF Open's nine-round season includes eight Formula 1 venues and the Pau Grand Prix, inherited from the defunct European F3 series.

"This year is my first street circuit, competing at Pau and I'm really looking forward to it," said Monger.

"It will be challenging, luckily I know a few drivers who have driven there themselves and have given me a few tips so hopefully it won't take long to get used to it.

"It's a new car [in EF Open, to Monger], has a bit more grip, bit more power.

"It's a step up in level from the Taatus [used in BRDC British F3] but I'm slowly adapting and getting better."

The signing of Monger completes Carlin's line-up alongside 2018 British F3 runner-up Nicolai Kjaergaard, Christian Hahn and Teppei Natori.

Monger added that he is targeting the championship in 2019.

"The goal is always to go into a championship and try to win it, so that's what I'm looking to do," Monger said.

"I know there are guys that I'm team-mates with and that are still competing this year that have done this championship for a few years.

"But I'd like to think that once I get on top of the car I'll hopefully be able to take the top step."

EF Open's 2019 field will also include British F3 champion Linus Lundqvist, as well as Red Bull juniors Jack Doohan, Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda.

Lawson and Tsunoda will drive for Motopark, which switched to the series following the collapse of Formula European Masters.

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