Dutch 17-year-old Tijmen van der Helm will step up to FIA Formula 3 with MP Motorsport this year, completing the team’s 2021 line-up.
Van der Helm, who previously competed in Spanish Formula 4 and Formula Renault Eurocup, will link up with Alpine juniors Victor Martins and Caio Collet.
“I am very happy to be a Formula 3 driver with MP Motorsport in 2021,” said Van der Helm.
“This will be a very important step in my career, as Formula 3 is the category where the very best young single-seater talents go head-to-head.
“It’s exactly the place where I need to show what I’m capable of.
“Furthermore, it’s a great prospect to be so close to Formula 1 – seeing and hearing those cars will add something special to each and every race meeting.
“Moreover, it is great to return to the old nest. I have wonderful memories of my year with MP in the Spanish F4 Championship, so if it is up to me we will create more good memories this year.”
Van der Helm’s graduation means MP Motorsport will run a refreshed line-up in the tertiary championship.
“With Tijmen, Victor and Caio, our Formula 3 line-up consists of three very fast and talented rookies who will start the season hungry for success,” said MP boss Sander Dorsman.
“I’m very curious to see how they will challenge each other to get the best out of each other. I know one thing for sure, this will be an amazing year.”
