Juan Manuel Correa to return to racing this year in F3 with ART

Juan Manuel Correa will make an incredible comeback to racing this year with ART Grand Prix for the upcoming FIA Formula 3 Championship season.

The 21-year-old Amercian has spent the last year and a half recovering from serious leg injuries he sustained in a multi-car crash that tragically claimed the life of Anthoine Hubert in a Formula 2 race at Spa-Francorchamps in 2019.

Correa underwent a number of surgeries and had to have a brace on his leg for more than a year as part of his rehabilitation process, but is now set to return to competitive action just 16 months after the accident.

He will make his remarkable comeback with French outfit ART GP in F3 this season.

“First of all, I’m extremely happy to be back after what I’ve been through,” said Correa. “I am super thankful to ART Grand Prix; it means a lot to me that they’re believing in me and my comeback. F3 is a transition year, my dream is still to reach F1 and this is the first step in my comeback.

"My targets are a bit ahead of myself, because I still have to do a lot, I have not driven a car for a year and a half and there is a big learning curve ahead. I’m entering this season with an open mind, I won’t put pressure on myself, I will do my best, I will do what I love and that’s already a victory.”

Prior to the accident that put a halt on his career, Correa had taken two podium finishers in F2 sprint races at Baku and Paul Ricard, while he also spent a year and a half with Jenzer Motorsport in GP3.

ART team principal Sebastien Philippe said: “Since his horrendous accident in Spa, on August 30th 2019, Juan Manuel has been through a lot of phases, always fighting while keeping in mind that he did not want to give up on his dream to keep racing at the highest possible level.

"Juan Manuel is an example of bravery and tenacity and ART Grand Prix is proud to give him the opportunity to return to racing. Juan Manual is extremely strong mentally, he is still fighting to be as fit as possible and he is hungry. Behind the wheel, his talent is immense, as shown by his achievements in go-karts and then his first few years in motorsport.

"We are keen to accompany Juan Manuel to resume his career and to help him climb the ladder once again. He will give the team the benefit of his talent and experience.”