Australian teenager Patrick Heuzenroeder will move up to the GB3 Championship with Elite Motorsport for the final two rounds of the season.
The 17-year-old will make his category debut at Zandvoort this weekend (13-15 October) and will then return at Donington Park the following week, joining Elite’s race-winning duo McKenzy Cresswell and Oliver Stewart.
Heuzenroeder’s career began when aged 13 at Sydney’s Eastern Creek go kart circuit. He karted in Australia for the following three years before progressing to cars, competing in the 2022 NSW Formula Ford Championship, running third in the standings before departing for the UK.
After commencing a winter testing programme in F4 machinery, Heuzenroeder competed in the 2023 British F4 campaign with Argenti Motorsport, claiming a podium finish at Snetterton. He also made the 2022 Ferrari Driver Academy Asia Pacific trials, narrowly missing out on progressing to the World final.
Patrick Heuzenroeder said: “After a year in British F4 learning the tracks and the whole new world which is motorsport in the UK, when the offer to take part in GB3 at Zandvoort arose, it seemed a great opportunity.
“I had the chance to do a one test day in a GB3 car earlier in the year, and after a few laps of adapting to the speed and downforce, I just loved it!
“That day went really well and I’m hopeful I can bring some of that experience to help me get up to speed quickly in the Netherlands but Zandvoort is obviously a very different and totally new track for me.
“The majority of other drivers have been in these cars all year and many will have tested there, so I’m realistic about my expectations this weekend.
“I’m sure the experience will help form some decisions I will need to make about 2024 including whether GB3 might be the right step for me.
“With the F4 season finishing only last weekend, I’m very fortunate to have the chance to get back in a race car and I’m very grateful to Elite Motorsport for the opportunity.”
Team Principal Eddie Ives said: “We are pleased to announce Pat joining us for Zandvoort and the Donington Park rounds.
“We’re already impressed with his commitment and his work ethic.
“It’s a big ask to jump up to GB3 with minimal testing but I’m confident he’ll adapt well and we are fully behind his debut in the championship.”