Russia’s Aleksandr Smolyar will remain with the ART Grand Prix team in FIA Formula 3 for the 2021 season.
ART has yet to confirm its full line-up, with Smolyar the first to be announced for the upcoming campaign.
His 2020 team-mate Sebastián Fernández is also expected to remain, whilst Théo Pourchaire will step up to Formula 2 with the HWA Racelab team to partner Artem Markelov.
Smolyar impressed in his debut F3 season, scoring ten top 10 finishes, a pole position in the Hungary Feature race and a podium finish at Monza, with a final points standing of 11th.
Smolyar also took victory in the British Feature race, but was handed a post-race time penalty for weaving, which dropped him outside of the top ten.
“I’m glad to continue working with a team of such a high level as ART Grand Prix,” commented Smolyar. “We have already gotten to know each other well and the atmosphere in the team will be pleasant and familiar for me.
“This is one of the best teams in the championship, so we have a chance for some good results. My goal for this season is to win, of course. There can be no other goal in such a team.
“Also, I’ve already got the experience, so that means a lot. Last year I tried a lot of new things for myself. Now I can focus on some more important moments.
“I would like to thank SMP Racing and ART Grand Prix for their trust and support. I will try to do my best and achieve our goals.”
Team boss Sébastien Philippe added: “Alex made a good start in his inaugural F3 season which raised our hopes, but several retirements in the early races slowed his momentum. His driving qualities are solid and he has made great personal and technical progress.
“He ended the year with a series of very good results in an ultra-competitive championship where it is easy to doubt and to lose your marks. With his new confidence and conviction of his talent, Alex should be able to join the fight for the title in 2021.”
