Zendeli lands 2020 Trident Formula 3 seat

Lirim Zendeli will return for a second season in FIA Formula 3 after signing with Trident for the 2020 campaign.

Zendeli, 20, made his F3 debut last year with Sauber Junior Team by Charouz off the back of his ADAC Formula 4 title win in 2018, and scored six points through the season.

Zendeli tested for Trident at the end-of-year running in Valencia, and was named as the team’s first confirmed driver for the upcoming campaign on Monday.

“I am super delighted to announce that I will go racing in FIA Formula 3 with Trident in 2020. After testing with the team in Valencia it was totally clear to me that I really would like take my career onto another level with this traditional and experienced team,” said Zendeli.

“I am convinced that we can achieve many very good results and I’ll give everything to bring some trophies to the teams headquarter in Milano!”

Trident chief Maurizio Salvadori added: “Last year we watched Zendeli with great attention in the Formula 3 championship and even though he didn’t get particularly important results, his skills favourably impressed us.

“I am delighted of having him in the 2020 Team Trident line-up. I am sure he will be among the leading drivers, and that he will become one of the stars of the season.

“He has already driven a Team Trident car in last October’s postseason test at Valencia. Even if he was with us for only one day, we appreciated his driving talent, his sensible attitude and his absolute professionalism.”

Zendeli is fourth returning driver for the 2020 F3 season, along with six rookies on the 30-car grid.