Australian Joey Mawson has gained a surprise opportunity to compete in the MRF Challenge.
The four-event Championship will see the PODIUM-backed driver compete alongside the final round of the World Endurance Championship in Bahrain this weekend.
He will then tackle the Dubai circuit on December 8-10 ahead of the penultimate event in New Dehli on January 27-29 and the final event in Chennai on February 17-19.
Competing aboard a Dallara Formula 3 chassis powered by a 2.0-litre Mountune 250hp Duratec engine, the MRF Challenge will provide Mawson with a solid grounding towards his plans of competing in the European Formula 3 Championship in 2017.
“To compete in the MRF Challenge is a great opportunity, one that really came out of nowhere but one that I’m also really excited about,” said Mawson.
“It’s a great way to get accustomed to a Formula 3 car while learning some new circuits.
“Over the past four years it has developed into a great ‘Summer’ Series for drivers who are in a similar position as me looking to make the progression into Formula 3.”
All entries in the MRF Challenge are centrally prepared and managed, similar to what Mawson experienced while competing in the 2013 French Formula 4 Championship.
“Having everything centrally managed removes the need to be in the best team with the best equipment. Everything is equal and it comes down to working closely with the mechanics you’ve got and making the most of every opportunity,” said Mawson.
“Racing in France was a great experience and I learnt a lot, not only about the cars but myself also. I’m really looking forward to the opening event this weekend.”
This weekend’s event will be the first time Mawson has visited the Middle East since taking victory in the final round of the 2012 CIK-FIA World Under 18 Karting Championship.
Practice begins on Thursday morning ahead of qualifying in the afternoon. Friday’s action will be highlighted by a pair of races before the round is concluded with races three and four on Saturday.
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Local Time
Thursday November 17
11:00 Free Practice 1
12:30 Free Practice 2
14:15 Qualifying
Friday November 18
10:40 Warm-Up
13:40 Race 1
16:10 Race 2
Saturday November 19
9:45 Race 3
11:55 Race 4
AEDT
Thursday November 17
17:00 Free Practice 1
20:30 Free Practice 2
22:15 Qualifying
Friday November 18
18:40 Warm-Up
21:40 Race 1
00:10 (Sat) Race 2
Saturday November 19
17:45 Race 3
19:55 Race 4