
The FIA European Formula 3 Championship today announced that the planned visit to Moscow has been cancelled, to be replaced by Portimão.
Moscow Raceway had previously proved an unpopular venue with teams and drivers, due to logistical issues and high costs.
The 9th round of the European F3 Championship will now place at the Portimão circuit in the Algarve over the weekend of September 4th-6th; one week later than the originally scheduled Moscow round. The option of Portimão also ensures drivers and teams can test at the circuit on September 1st-2nd.
European F3 first visited Moscow Raceway last season; however only twenty of the twenty-six full season drivers made the trip, as numerous British entries decided not to travel.
It is believed a request to replace the Moscow round was made as early as last November, with the various parties making a final decision this week.
It will be the first time European F3 has visited Portimão; however the circuit did host British F3 in 2009, with ART Grand Prix’ Jules Bianchi claiming the honours in both races.
For this weekend only, European F3 will support the Blancpain Sprint Series, with the presence of live television proving a key factor in discussions.