Macanese single-seater newcomer Chang Wing Chung – otherwise known as ‘Andy’ Chang – is to make his Formula 3 debut with the Double R Racing team in the Cooper Tires British F3 International Series this year it is confirmed today, Wednesday, 15th January.

Chang, who will arrive in F3 as one of the youngest drivers in the series aged just 17, is the first signing of a planned three or four car entry for the revitalised British championship this season from Anthony ‘Boyo’ Hieatt’s former title winning squad.

Making his open-wheel debut in the Dunlop MSA Formula Ford Championship of Great Britain last year, Chang contested six races in total. Making his bow at Rockingham in September, Chang went on to take a best finish of fifth position at Silverstone National Circuit and, with it, a Scholarship Class victory in only his fourth outing.

Adding to his limited experience, the Far Eastern youngster also took part in three Formula Masters China Series races at Shanghai International Circuit before contesting the end-of-year invitational Macau Grand Prix support race where he finished in a highly creditable eighth position.

Prior to his graduation into cars in 2013, Chang enjoyed a stellar karting career in which he was a national title winner in 2007 before competing at the highest level in the CIK-FIA World KF1 Karting Championship, the CIK-FIA European KF2 Championship and the CIK-FIA European KF Championship.

“We’re looking forward to working with Andy and pleased to announce our first British F3 driver so early in the New Year”, commented Hieatt, “It’s a big step up for him but with a good testing plan in place we’re confident he’ll be able to get up to speed pretty quickly.

“He hasn’t driven the car yet but he’s shown well in the car races he’s done and, of course, he has a good karting pedigree. We’re confident he’ll improve well during the British season in preparation for the Macau Grand Prix at the end of the year.”

Chang’s competitive Cooper Tires British F3 International Series debut will come during the opening weekend of the 2014 season at Rockingham in Northamptonshire on 4th/5th May. After visits to Silverstone, Snetterton, Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium, Thruxton and Brands Hatch, the series will reach its conclusion at Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit on 13th/14th September.