Yet again, the dedicated elevator system for young drivers of German Team Lotus-Motopark has proven to be highly effective. Young Dutchman Indy Dontje moves up to the team’s Formula Three branch – after having spent two formative years in the domestic feeder series Formel ADAC. Dontje will join Columbian driver Andrés Méndez as a team-mate. Two more drivers will complete the line-up. The next step on the ladder of talent has been executed with great care and proper planning. As early as 2013, when the Formel ADAC series was still in full flight, the 21-year old from Schoorl in Holland started testing Team Lotus-Motopark’s Dallara VW from the domestic ATS Formula 3 Cup. “After two successful years in the Formel ADAC, it was time for him to move up”, says team Principal Timo Rumpfkeil. “He has shown so much speed and potential in our Formula Three tests that we’re sure he can fight for victory in the Rookies’ Cup immediately.”
Winning the Rookies’ Cup is exactly what Indy Dontje is aiming for. “In my two years with Team Lotus-Motopark, I have learnt an awful lot. I fully intend to put that to good use in the higher class. Keeping my usual environment and maintaining my place within Team Lotus-Motopark will help me find my feet in the new class as quickly as possible. However, one must not underestimate the challenge of Formula Three. 2014 promises to be a bumper year ahead, with a whole breed of new drivers joining the grid. I hope I can challenge the victory in the Rookies’ Cup.”
Indy Dontje is the second driver in the Team Lotus-Motopark line-up, joining Columbian talent Andrés Méndez. Timo Rumpfkeil plans to contest the ATS Formula 3 Cup with a total of 4 drivers.
2014 ATS Formula 3 Cup calendar:
25/04 – 27/04/2014: ADAC GT Masters, Oschersleben (DEU)
23/05 – 25/05/2014: ADAC GT Masters, Lausitzring (DEU)
06/06 – 08/06/2014: ADAC GT Masters, Red Bull Ring (AUT)
13/06 – 15/06/2014: Stuttgarter Rössle Hockenheim (DEU)
29/08 – 31/08/2014: ADAC GT Masters, Nürburgring (DEU)
12/09 – 14/09/2014: DTM, Lausitzring* (DEU)
19/09 – 21/09/2014: ADAC GT Masters, Sachsenring (DEU)
03/10 – 05/10/2014: ADAC GT Masters, Hockenheimring (DEU)
* contract currently in negotiations