Beckmann seals ART FIA F3 drive for 2019

Beckmann had a difficult start in the GP3 Series this season with Jenzer Motorsport, having switched to the Formula 1-supporting category from European F3.

But a switch to Trident from the ninth race of the season in Hungary – replacing Formula 2-bound Alessio Lorandi – delivered success, as he went on to take four podiums, three wins and two pole positions on his way to fifth in the standings.

Taken from the Hungaroring, he would have finished second in the championship.

Although Beckmann had initially planned to stay with Trident for 2019 due to lacking the budget to step up to F2, he tested with ART at the post-season GP3 test in Abu Dhabi last month, and has now confirmed a switch to the team.

ART has won the GP3 teams' championship in seven of the eight years the series existed, beaten by only Carlin in 2014.

“We worked together already in Abu Dhabi and everything went smooth,” said Beckmann of the Abu Dhabi test. “It felt immediately warm and familiar.

“The work was very professional and precise and I really like this approach because I too am a person who tries to improve in every aspects, every details.

“That’s why it gives me good confidence to achieve very good results with ART.”

ART’s Sebastien Philippe added: “David was ART Grand Prix's toughest opponent in the second half of the GP3 season, where he scored more points than any other driver [editor's note, Nikita Mazepin actually scored more].

“He made a name for himself with his speed over the course of a lap and his combativeness during races. ART Grand Prix also greatly appreciated his attitude and his technical background during the post-season tests.”