He is the current ATS Formula 3 Cup champion and the first Swede who ever achieved this. Jimmy Eriksson and the Lotus team delivered an impressive performance in the 2012 season. This title is the 22-year old’s biggest success so far. It was his third season as a Formula 3 driver. Now he is going to take the next step, competing in the GP3 series . Jimmy Eriksson takes a look back.
Jimmy Eriksson did not secure the title until the last race at the final event of the season at Hockenheim, when the Lotus driver achieved an impressive victory with a lead of 6.052 seconds. The 22-year also set the fastest lap, 1:34.954 minutes. “That was the biggest highlight of the whole season,” says Jimmy Eriksson. “After all I had only completed one season in Formula sports before the ATS Formula 3 Cup. It was a big challenge for me.”
Great combination with the Lotus team
Jimmy Eriksson spent his years in Formula 3 loyally within the Motopark team that has been racing under the name Lotus since 2012. “We knew right away that Jimmy was a great choice when we signed him to our team,” says Team Principal Timo Rumpfkeil. “He showed a steady and fast development in the two years. And he secured the title for our team pretty fast, which we are very happy about!” Eriksson is going to miss his Lotus team. He said so. Nevertheless, he is set to take the next step. “We wish him all the best! He is goal-oriented and determined, and both are key,” says Rumpfkeil.
Close to the highest class of motorsports
The ATS Formula 3 Cup is the general qualification for motorsports. Those who really want to achieve success, earn their spurs in this series. Most of them have the same goal: Formula 1. Competing in the GP3 series, Jimmy Eriksson is getting a lot closer. “Sharing the paddock with the Formula 1 and being part of the support programme of the events of the highest class of motorsports will perhaps be the biggest difference,” acknowledges Eriksson. “Besides, I am going to drive a car with even more horsepower.”
Top10 places in the tests
Making himself familiar with his new Formula vehicle is his biggest challenge at the moment. After all, he intends to compete at the top of the championship once more in 2013. Chances are good, as the fast Swede proved in the test sessions at the Circuit de Catalunya in Spain in mid-March. Eriksson secured the 15th place on the first day and the 8th place on the second day. His motto is: “Work hard, both on and at the racetrack”. The first race will take place on the weekend of 10-12 May in Barcelona, where both he and his team-mate, British driver Josh Webster, intend to score points for his new Status Grand Prix team.