Monger eyeing move up to new FIA F3 series for 2019

Billy Monger is targeting a move into the newly rebranded FIA Formula 3 Championship for 2019.

Monger, who had both of his lower legs amputated following a horrific crash while competing in Formula 4 at Donington Park in 2017, completed a remarkable return to single-seater racing this year in the BRDC British F3 Championship.

The 19-year-old is attending this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a guest of the Mercedes F1 team and also spent time in the Formula 2 paddock with the Carlin squad that funded the majority of his British F3 campaign this year.

Monger expressed his desire to make the step up to the F1 support bill next season, providing he can attract new sponsors to help fund a full campaign.

“We are looking for commercial sponsors for next year to make a step up into FIA Formula 3,” Monger told Channel 4.

“It’s tough because it’s the journey that I’m on and I don’t want it to be the end of the journey. I’m pushing my way up and hopefully we should be OK.”

Monger finished sixth in the 2018 British F3 drivers’ standings and claimed four podium finishes throughout the season, while he also took a brilliant pole position at Donington just 17 months after his life-changing accident at the circuit.

His inspirational story has resulted in vast media coverage, including a recent BBC documentary, though Monger has still struggled to find commercial backers.

It is understood that Monger will undertake an extraction test with the Halo that will feature on the new-for-2019 FIA F3 car before he leaves Abu Dhabi.

Carlin is one of the 10 teams that has entered into the new FIA F3 series for 2019 and the British outfit is keen to continue to support Monger’s racing career.

The Road to Indy programme in the United States is viewed as a possible alternative should Monger be unable to land a seat further up the European open-wheel ladder.