TETBURY’S rising motor racing champion Jamie Chadwick has announced she is making the switch from GT endurance to single-seater racing.

The 18-year-old, who is the youngest and only female winner of British GT winner, the UK’s highest endurance racing category, has joined reigning BRDC British Formula 3 champions Double R Racing.

Formula 3, or F3, is considered to be the first major stepping stone for drivers hoping to make it to Formula One and Jamie’s move comes after a string of impressive motor racing feats including winning the Ginetta Junior Scholarship at just 14-years-old, being named the British Racing Drivers’ Club (BRDC) Rising Star and winning the British GT championship with the Beechdean Aston Martin team in 2015.

Jamie said: “I’m absolutely delighted to be racing with Double R in British F3 this year.

“While there were options to pursue the GT route there is no doubt about the value of top level single-seater series to further develop my technical ability and credentials as a racing driver.

“It will be a fascinating learning curve and we have set out a two-year programme for me to establish myself and make my mark in the series.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity and I’d especially like to thank Tom Gaymor, Anthony Hieatt and everyone else who has assisted me with this decision.

“I’m also hoping to compete in a few GT events this year but my main focus will be Formula 3.”

Last season, while finishing her A-Levels, Jamie competed in the Pro-Am category in GT4 with team mate Paul Hollywood from the Great British Bake Off.

On Jamie’s move, Double R Racing team principal Anthony Hieatt said: “We’re all absolutely elated to have signed a deal with Jamie for British F3 this year, she’s a fantastic talent, an extremely quick and professional driver, and has a very mature head on her young shoulders. 

“Jamie’s achievements in British GT speak volumes and while the F3 car is an entirely different animal to the Aston Martin GT cars she has been racing the past couple of years, she’s adapted to the driving style very impressively. 

“Last season was spectacular for Double R, winning the championship with Matheus Leist, and we’re hoping to make 2017 just as memorable.” 

Jamie’s first official appearance as a Double R driver will come during the pre-season BRDC British F3 Media Day at Snetterton on Tuesday, March 28. The opening three rounds of the 24 race season will then take place over Easter weekend, April 15-17, at Oulton Park in Cheshire.