The FIA Formula 3 Championship is heading back into action and, coming from its ground-breaking INDYCAR debut, PREMA Racing prepares to get another season underway in Australia. Back to the category where it achieved 12 driver titles and 13 team titles, including the 2024 one, the team will field an all-new lineup at Melbourne's 5.3-kilometer temporary circuit.
The line-up won't be the only unexplored feature, as the series will debut a brand-new car. Featuring an all-new chassis developed by Dallara and an upgraded 3.4-litre, 380-horsepower Mecachrome engine running on 100% sustainable fuel, it is looking to provide a modern stepping stone to the drivers aiming for Formula 2 and Formula 1.
The PREMA racing lineup will be featuring two rookie drivers and a returning one for the series. Second-generation racer Brando Badoer will make the step up from a positive Formula Regional season last year. The 18-year-old Italian will be driving the #1 car. 20-year-old Mexican racer Noel León is moving to PREMA for his second year in FIA F3. Driving the #2 car, he secured three podium finishes last year. Ugo Ugochukwu will make the step to F3 after racing in Formula Regional last year. The 17-year-old American, like Badoer, is a member of the McLaren Driver Development Programme.
With the goal of repeating and improving on last year's Feature Race win, PREMA will line up for Friday on practice to master the track's variables - including the weather. The series' tyre supplier, Pirelli, will bring the P-Zero Yellow Medium tyres for dry running.
RENÉ ROSIN - Team Principal
"It feels great to restart the season here in Melbourne, an outstanding setting for the opening round of FIA F3. With our remarkable roll of honour in the series, we want to add positive results to our name. We think our line-up is quite strong and well-balanced. With a new car, there are still some things to evaluate to see where everyone is, but we are looking forward to the start."