This coming weekend sees the British Formula 3 Series join up with the Formula 3 International Trophy at the magnificent Spa-Francorchamps circuit.
Around twenty-nine drivers are expected to contest the meeting, that marks the seventh round of the British F3 series, while the International Trophy will enter its third weekend of competition.
As well as the regular British F3 field (currently headed by Carlin Motorsport’s Felipe Nasr), up to eight F3 Euroseries regulars will be fighting for honours, including former GP3 ace and International Trophy leader, Roberto Mehri.
Having amassed 68 points from the opening pair of weekends, the Spaniard currently leads his fellow countryman Daniel Juncadella and German pilot Daniel Abt by 33 and 36 points respectively, with Marcus Wittmann a distant 4th in the standings.
Following the races at Spa, two further rounds remain at Zandvoort and Macau, with the original sixth meeting at Korea removed several weeks ago.
British Formula 3 regulars Carlos Huertas and Jazeman Jaafar are also full-time competitors of the International Trophy and are currently placed 8th and 9th in the standings following the first two weekends at the Hockenheimring and Pau. Both have been podium regular during this years British F3 series; however neither has to stand on the top step of the podium at this level.
Returning for this weekend will be Marco Asmer. The Estonian won the British F3 series in 2007, spending one season in GP2, before a lack of funding curtailed his career. A brief spell testing Superleague machinery followed; however Asmer announced his return to motorsport earlier this year with occasional F3 drives.
Asmer will be fielded by Double R Racing in Spa, alongside team regulars Pipo Derani and reigning British Formula Ford Champion, Scott Pye. Fernando Monje will join Pietro Fantin at Hitech Racing, while three F3 Euroseries teams will be fielding their own entries.
As this round makes up part of the International Trophy, Saturday afternoon’s Feature Race will be broadcast live on Motors TV at approximately 11.50am (UK time), with the usual highlights package being shown on channel 4 and Motors TV just over one week later.
2011 British F3 Championship Standings (Rd 6, Race 3) Pos Driver Points Championship Class 1. Felipe Nasr 237 2. Carlos Huertas 133 3. Lucas Foresti 127 4. Jazeman Jaafar 115 5. Kevin Magnussen 113 Rookie Class 1. Bart Hylkema 214 2. Kotaro Sakurai 213 2011 FIA Formula 3 International Trophy (Rd 2) Pos Driver Points 1. Roberto Mehri 237 2. Daniel Juncadella 133 3. Daniel Abt 127 4. Marcus Wittmann 115 5. Carlo Munoz 113
