Jack Doohan believes he has what it takes to make an impact in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship after a strong run of results over the past two years.

Currently ranked second place in the Asian Formula 3 Championship, Doohan has picked up a number of race wins and podiums over the course of the season, adding to his outright second place in last year’s championship.

 

Also showing solid form in the 2018 British Formula 4 Championship, Doohan worked hard to get to this position and with less than two months before the Formula 3 season opener, the teenager was excited to showcase his talents on the world stage.

 

“It’s really exciting now being on the big stage at Formula 1 weekends. I am looking forward to getting to Bahrain,” Doohan said.

 

“It’s good that I have had two years to try and create the foundation in car racing before making a step like this. I know it’s going to be difficult with the limited run but I feel like I am ready for it.

 

“There isn’t too much F3 testing available beforehand, so I am just going to have to adapt. This is the reason, along with the chance to get super license points, we are doing the Asian Championship. Just to be in the car over the winter break and to prepare.

 

“The previous two years’ results could always have been better but the main thing has been getting experience before competing in international F3.”

 

The Queenslander will be one of four Australians entered in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship, with Doohan having crossed paths with his compatriots on few occasions.

 

In last year’s Euro Formula Open, Doohan edged out Calan Williams on the overall standings after finishing the year two spots ahead in 11th, while both Doohan and Oscar Piastri were part of the Formula 3 Championship’s testing late last year. 

 

All four drivers have taken different routes to end up this position, with Alex Peroni having raced in the Championship last year before being involved in a season-ending crash at Monza.

 

For Doohan though, who has come close to a title of his own on multiple occasions, he is confident enough of performing in the Championship and continuing his progression up the chain.

 

“I am not feeling too confident, but I am wanting to win,” Doohan said.

 

“Even though it’s going to be difficult, my new team HWA now have a year of experience in F3 after competing in 2019 championship, so I have a fair amount of confidence in them.

 

“I am not going there over-confident, but I really do believe we can do the job, especially if everything goes right. I am focused on going into the season with a modest approach.

 

“Many rookies have won the championship before in GP3 and F3 in their first year so I don’t see a reason why I can’t do it either.”

 

Ahead of his biggest career challenge, the 2019 Red Bull Racing junior admits he doesn’t want to stick around in the championship for too long and is hopeful good results will help him move up.

 

“The goal will be a one-year season and I don’t want to be doing it for two otherwise I wouldn’t have done well,” Doohan added.

 

“We will see where it goes and what the opportunities are at the end of the season. I will worry about it when it comes.

 

“Until the season finishes, I want to be in a strong position and fight for the championship. It’s important that I am always towards the front and always in the mix to get some attention.”

 

The FIA Formula 3 Championship’s first round is part of the Bahrain Grand Prix at Bahrain International Circuit on 20-22 March.