Team West-Tec driver took the European F3 Open title last weekend defeating Sand Stuvik. UAE´s driver explains how he feels.

Ed Jones (Team West-Tec) won the European F3 Open title at Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, after a long-standing fight this season with Sandy Stuvik (RP Motorsport), who finally finished as runner-up to UAE´s driver. Jones, who debuted in the series at the final event of 2012 in Barcelona and he already proved how fast he was by then, completed an almost perfect year at the wheel of a Team West-Tec Dallara F312.

''I am so happy to take the Championship title, after the win in race one I knew that I could not relax and I had to push really hard in race two to secure the title. I struggled towards the end as my tires had given out, there was nothing left, but I made it. I really want to thank the team also for their help and support throughout the season I couldn't have done it without them. I am extremely proud to also represent my homeland of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in this Championship and help make history for my country'', Jones explained after race two.

18 year-old Jones is a rising star in Formula 3, graduating as 2013 Formula 3 Open Champion following 10 podiums including six wins last season.  Jones took the Formula 3 Open championship in a busy season which also saw him compete in Formula Renault 2.0 Euro and NEC as well as the Hockenheim round of the FIA Formula 3 European Championship.

Jones, who is the first of Carlin’s F3 team to be announced, will follow in the footsteps of Daniel Ricciardo, Jean-Eric Vergne, Max Chilton and Daniil Kvyat who have all raced in Carlin’s F3 team before reaching Formula 1.

Speaking about his new team, Ed said, “Carlin have a fantastic reputation in Formula 3 and it is very exciting to be joining the team for the 2014 season.  I completed several days testing with the team before Christmas and really enjoyed driving the car.  I can’t wait to get on track for the first official test and build on our progress over the winter.”

Trevor Carlin added, “As reigning Formula 3 Open Champion Ed clearly has the pace to run at the front.  He tested with us before Christmas and we were very pleased with his progress over that short time.  Ed helped us with several technical changes and his feedback as well as his pace was very impressive.  He settled into the team well and I’ve no doubt that he will be a real asset in 2014.”

The FIA Formula 3 European Championship will kick off in Silverstone from 18 – 20th April.

UAE-based Ed Jones dreams of one day competing in Formula One. The 19-year-old Briton has been racing for 14 years and has a host of trophies that showcase his raw talent.

Jones is already a six-time UAE karting champion and has been on the podium in the Formula Renault Eurocup and the British Formula 3 championship. This is all in addition to being the 2013 Formula 3 European Open Champion.

Talking to Sport360°, the young driver explains why his sights are now firmly set on a Formula One seat.

At what age did you start karting and what inspired you to take up the sport? 
I started driving a kart when I was four, which was a present from my father who was the Middle East kart champion in 1981.

Who has been your role model, if any? 
There have been many role models, from a variety of sports but I try and take the best aspects from the people I meet.

Do you indulge in motorsport for leisure or to be competitive?
Originally the racing was just a hobby, but after competing in races on an international level it became clear I had the speed very few people have. I am now a full-time driver with a good chance of making it to the pinnacle of single seater racing.

Are you confident that you can make a career out of motorsport?
Yes, my intention is to continue as a professional driver and work on a strong career, but it does not get any easier as you progress. The level of competition is fierce and you are judged only by wins. I am speaking to various managers/promoters – a requisite to stand any chance of an F1 seat.

Motorsport is expensive to indulge in. How do you go about financing yourself or do you have a sponsor? 
I have been very fortunate that my parents have been able to support me until now. We are now trying to secure sponsorship for moving into GP2 next year, but it is extremely difficult. Nevertheless, we are confident we will find sponsorship soon as there is no one else in the region competing at the same level or with the possibility of making it to Formula One in the next three years.

In your opinion, are there enough facilities available here in the UAE to advance your current skills? 
The facilities in the UAE are fantastic, top-class kart tracks in Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Al Ain and Yas F1 circuit and Dubai Autodrome. The numbers and quality of drivers is improving, but I think people should realise there are no short cuts to motor racing success; it takes years of racing and extreme commitment. I am happy to be an example that learning to race in the UAE can launch you into the top level of motorsport with hard work.

What do you feel needs to be done to encourage and popularise motorsport in the UAE, both with the Emiratis and the expat population?
I think that as the Emirati population develops we will see a new generation of fathers who will encourage their children to participate in motorsport which is very rewarding and educational; it brings new skills and helps individuals to deal with pressure, teaches them discipline. It has its lows but rewards those who persevere with huge highs.

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Ed Jones started his 2014 FIA Formula 3 European season with a competitive first official test at the Hungaroring on the outskirts of Budapest this week.  The Dubai based racer was consistently in and around the top ten throughout the two day test as he undertook his first official outing with the Carlin team. Ed completed his Hungarian test with the 10^th fastest time on Saturday.

Ed has enjoyed a busy winter, competing in the Florida Winter Series during the traditional European ‘off-season’.  The UAE driver racked up eight podiums and one pole position during his Florida programme, developing his race craft ahead of the 2014 F3 season.

Moving into the prestigious FIA Formula 3 European Championship this year, Ed follows in the footsteps of several F1 stars who have passed through European F3, such as Sebastian Vettlel and Lewis Hamilton.  Ed’s Carlin team also have a strong history in F3, producing drivers such as Daniel Ricciardo and Kevin Magnussen.

Taking to the track for the first time in an official capacity with his new Carlin team, Ed wasted little time in getting up to speed.  During Friday’s first session he was eighth quickest in his Volkswagen powered Dallara and went on to complete a further 27 laps in the afternoon session to finish 11^th fastest overall.

After spending time analysing data with his engineer, Ed was back on track on Saturday morning.  Once again the 19 year-old showed promising pace, 11^th fastest over the course of the morning.  Ed improved further in the afternoon, finding some more time within himself and his car at the start of his rookie F3 season.  The eighth quickest time of the afternoon was enough to place him 10^th fastest of the day overall.