Japanese driver Ayato Iwasaki will remain with Elite Motorsport for a full GB3 campaign in 2023, after making his series debut with the Norfolk team at last year’s Donington Park finale. Iwasaki posted a sixth place finish in the last race of the season, his first car event in Europe, ending less than four seconds behind the race winner. 

The 19-year-old, who contested three Formula Regional Middle East Championship races in Kuwait earlier this year, has since tested with Elite at Valencia and Motorland Aragon earlier this winter and at this week’s Oulton Park test ahead of the season opener at the same venue on Easter weekend (7-10 April). 

He made his car racing debut in the 2022 Formula Regional Asian Championship at Yas Marina, and also contested two Japanese F4 Championship events last year. Prior to that, he was a multiple karting champion in Asia. Ayato joins sophomore driver McKenzy Cresswell at Eddie Ives’ team, which expects to complete its three-driver GB3 line-up in the coming weeks. 

Ayato Iwasaki said: “I feel GB3 is the best series for me at the moment in my career, both in terms of cost as well as the competitive level. The car is great to drive and the series goes to some very nice tracks. I really enjoyed my first time in the UK at Donington last year. The series is very well organised and the car is really fun to drive.“

“I was very comfortable with Elite at Donington. All the mechanics, engineers and coaches were super friendly and made me feel very welcome. It is also a very competitive team with great results, always fighting at the front. I hope to be able to score more podiums and wins for them.”

Team Owner and Manager Eddie Ives said: “I’m extremely pleased to have Ayato competing for us this season. He surpassed our expectations in the final GB3 event of the year last October, especially considering it was his first races in the category and at Donington Park - in fact hia first time racing in the UK.“

“Testing has been going well for him over the winter and I’m very much looking forward to seeing how Ayato develops in GB3 during the year.”

For more championship information visit www.gb-3.net.