Hillspeed's first signing for the 2026 GB3 Championship is Australian Dante Vinci, who is aiming to follow in the footsteps of the drivers from 'down under' that have dominated the series in recent years.
Vinci graduates from F4 in Italy, and he's already started getting to grips with the Tatuus MSV GB3-025 car in pre-season testing, a machine that has been upgraded again over the winter break.
"I'm, super excited" the 17-year-old exclaims. "With the winter testing I did back in Europe, I've gotten a feel for the 2025 car and this year's car is a beast I can't wait to race with."
With a full Italian F4 campaign now behind him, and plenty of promise shown, GB3 was an easy decision to make as he eyed his next move up the ladder, and even found time to attend last year's season finale at Monza.
"The middle step between F3 and F4 is why GB3 is a great championship for my career in 2026" he comments.
"Considering uncertainty in other similar categories and GB3’s rising talents, I felt GB3 would be most suitable for not wasting time in such a crucial part of my career, plus, the car’s just so nice to drive.
"The winter testing back in Europe has helped me settle in, with insane improvements. A big step was made getting used to the car, but now I'm more ready than ever.
"Regarding the races themselves, I attended Monza’s round eight last year since I live close by, and despite being distracted by how good those engines sounded, it was a lot more professional, hard yet clean."
Vinci joins the Hillspeed team, fresh off the back of the team's strongest season to date, and he wants to continue its upward trend.
"Hillspeed definitely did great last year, and with the winter tests I've done with them I could see why. With Hillspeed’s rich history in racing I’m definitely excited to maintain their series of strong performances and work with some really fun people!"
Even though he's at the beginning of his career, Vinci has already raced at several European venues, and is looking forward to racing at new circuits this year.
"In 2025 I raced at Barcelona which was also simply lovely in the GB3 car in testing.
"I’ve never raced at Red Bull Ring, but I think it will be super interesting and entertaining for you guys too, with the three big straights for slipstreaming the entire race. An honourable mention for Silverstone though, I’m really looking forward to the two rounds there."
Antipodean drivers Louis Sharp and Alex Ninovic have taken the GB3 title in the past two years, and many of last year's front-runners were from Australia. Vinci therefore has honour to uphold, but he's keeping his targets under wraps initially.
"I have clear goals in mind, but for now I’ll work in silence and focus on the execution!"