This years GP3 Series will now not take in a race at Monaco.
The Formula 1 feeder championship had announced that it was in discussions to hold a race at the famed venue during the final weekend in May.
Unfortunately, due to lack of space in an already crowded environment, the GP3 event has had to be shelved for this year at least.
As well as the Grand Prix itself, GP2, World Series by Renault and the Porsche Supercup Series also run over the weekend.
With the exclusion of the principality, this year’s GP3 Championship will now comprise of eight race weekends; however a further two days of testing has been added to bolster the season calendar. The test is to be held in June, although both the date and venue have yet to be announced.
Revised 2011 GP3 schedule:
Test 3-4 March Paul Ricard Test 29-31 March Silverstone Test 12-14 April Barcelona Race 7-8 May Istanbul Race 21-22 May Barcelona Test TBA June TBA Race 25-26 June Valencia Race 9-10 July Silverstone Race 23-24 July Nurburgring Race 30-31 July Hungaroring Race 27-28 August Spa Race 10-11 September Monza
Must say I was slightly sceptical when it was announced just a few weeks ago, not in terms of paddock space but in the running order what with 3.5 also on the schedule.
Personally I think the new FIA International F3 Trophy should be at Monaco instead of both GP3 or FR3.5.
I do wonder how long World Series by Renault will be on the Monaco support list. If GP3 grows to be some success, then World Series may not find itself renewed come the next contract discussions.