Puerto Rican ace Félix Serrallés has revealed that he has joined Team West-Tec for their first season in the FIA European F3 Championship.
After a good run in the British F3 Series in 2012 that saw the Puerto Rican finish a close 3rd in the standings, Serrallés endured a patchy run in the European Championship this year.
While Serrallés notched up podiums at the Hockenheimring amidst several other points finishes (ending the season 11th overall), his year was blighted by a poor qualifying and many non-finishes.
His end of season run was disastrous, with Serrallés retiring through accidents in seven of his final nine races – the lowest point being a retaliatory collision with Kevin Korjus in the penultimate race – culminating in a split with Fortec prior to the Macau Grand Prix.
Serrallés’ relationship with the Fortec squad goes back to the Formula Renault UK Winter Series in 2010 – his move to Team West-Tec may be what the 21-year-old needs in order to reinvigorate his single-seater career.
Commenting on his Facebook page, Serrallés noted that: “It’s time to move on to a new chapter in my racing career with new experiences that lay ahead. Team West-Tec Racing is a very good professional team and I am very positive that they will provide me with a good car package to be fighting at the front for wins and podiums, where I belong.”
Although Team West-Tec have plenty of Formula 3 experience (they have been top contenders in the European F3 Open for several seasons), it is not inconceivable that they may find the move up to the FIA European Championship somewhat more daunting.
Serrallés, however, is unperturbed by the challenge ahead, even if his telling of the intricacies of F3 regulations leaves something to the imagination. “I can’t wait to be back in the car, which for 2014 will have new higher horsepower Mercedes-Benz engine and new paddle shift system along with a few other bits.”
Despite the bravado, both Serrallés and Team West-Tec know full well that the likes of Prema Powerteam, Mücke Motorsport, Carlin and Fortec will not be easily pushed aside.
According to Autosport.com {note 1}, Serralles’ former engineer at Fortec, Mick Kouros, has also moved to Team West-Tec to as chief engineer.
{note 1}
“Felix Serralles moves to West-Tec for 2014 European Formula 3” (Autosport.com, Marcus Simmons; December 20th, 2013)
