THOMAS MAXWELL READY FOR EUROCUP

Thomas Maxwell will embark on his second season of Formula Renault Eurocup – Photo: Supplied

In what has been a rather late deal, Territorian Thomas Maxwell will embark on his second season of Formula Renault Eurocup after just recently confirming a deal with JD Motorsports.

Maxwell finished 16th and third placed Australian in last year’s title for Tech-1 Racing, but is hopeful that he can visit the podium in 2018 with a new team.

“It’s good to head back there and give it another crack,” Maxwell told Auto Action.

“We were in talks with a number of teams late in the peace trying to find ourselves the best possible situation for the year. We believe that JD [Motorsport] was the best option for us and we’re very excited to push on and continue the year with them.”

Maxwell had plenty of options on the table including GP3 and categories in America, but the opportunity to build on his debut year in Eurocup was the most logical and beneficial option.

Thomas Maxwell racing in Formula Renault Eurocup last year – Photo: Supplied

Podiums and wins are on Maxwell’s radar for 2018 as he looks to make a step up next year into either F3 or GP3 for 2019.

“We’re going to be aiming to push for some podiums and race wins, that’s what we will be aiming for,” said Maxwell. “That’s our goals going into it, we need to work hard and really need to be relentless in preparation by getting ourselves in the possible mental and physical condition before each race.

Maxwell leaves tonight [March 7] to head to London, before heading to Italy to meet the team and have a seat fitting. From there, his testing program will start at Hockenheim on March 14, then Paul Ricard and finally another test at the Nurburgring GP Circuit.

A loaned kart has kept Maxwell’s eye in during the off-season with the 19-year-old feeling as fit as ever.

“I’ve been working hard back here to keep fit and make sure my eye is still in the game. I’m confident that I can slot back in where we left off.”

Maxwell will join Alex Peroni and Oscar Piastri on the Eurocup grid at the opening round of the series at Paul Ricard on April 15-16 in support of the European Le Mans Series.

For more of the latest international motorsport news, pick up the latest issue of Auto Action, on sale now. Also make sure you follow us on social media Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or our weekly email newsletter for all the latest updates between issues.