Australian Richard ‘Spike’ Goddard has been named to head the T-Sport team that will contest the FIA European Formula 3 European Championship.

The 20-year-old won last year’s British F3 National Class title for the team, taking 12 class victories in the process.

With British F3 only being contested over four rounds in 2013, it was decided to step-up to the Euro series.

The new FIA F3 European Championship comprises ten weekends of racing at many of Europe’s most famous race tracks. The schedule kicks off at Monza in March before heading to venues such as Silverstone, Hockenheim, Brands Hatch, Nürburgring, Zandvoort and Paul Ricard.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of racing in Europe,” said Goddard who is currently competing in the Toyota Racing Series in New Zealand.

“We gelled as a team very early on last year so when it came to making my plans for 2013 it was a very simple choice for me. The new European Championship will be tough but I think we are all up for the challenge.”

Goddard already has experience at many of the FIA circuits but will also spend time in the simulator to prepare for each race weekend.

“It’s good to retain Spike for the new season,” said T-sport Team Principal Russell Eacott.

“He’s right when he says it’s going to be tough but I have no doubt that he will knuckle down and put in the work required to make this a successful campaign.”

A team-mate to Goddard will be announced next week.