© MSA Formula.
The newly created MSA Formula has found buyers for all thirty-two cars for its inaugural season next year.
The category, which will be replacing British Formula Ford, has attracted twelve teams to its programme, including single-seater powerhouses Arden International, who operate in GP2, GP3 and Formula Renault 3.5 as well as Carlin Motorsport (GP2, GP3, FR3.5 and F3), Fortec (FR3.5, FR2.0 and F3) and Double R Racing (F3).
Other entries include former Formula Ford runners Falcon Motorsport, JTR, MBM Motorsport, Richardson Racing and SWB Motorsport. National Formula Renault squad Scorpio Motorsport will also join as will British GT squad Team Pyro and Renault Clio and Ginetta stalwarts JHR Developments.
The unveiling of the MSA Formula also spurned Arden to extend their own Young Racing Driver Academy to F4, as noted by team principal Garry Horner. “We have been actively supporting grass roots driver development through our association with the Young Racing Driver Academy and see our move into MSA Formula as the logical natural progression to that involvement.”
Powered by the Ford EcoBoost, the championship will be Britain’s version of the FIA Formula 4 concept and will act as a support category for the British Touring Car Championship from next season onwards, continuing Formula Ford’s previous slot.
Such was the demand for the series, Head of Ford Racing in Europe; Gerard Quinn had a tricky job on hand to ensure every proposal was a serious one. “On the day we unveiled the car we received 70 provisional orders. This translated into a remarkable 50 cash deposits for cars, so together with the MSA we have had to look carefully at every proposal. The great news is that MSA Formula has generated such excitement and anticipation that it has attracted 12 quality teams,” commented Quinn. Teams that have purchased cars will begin to receive their chassis come the end of this year.
The champiosnhip will be open to competitors who are 15-years-of-age and who have achieved an International C Karting licenece and have completed an extended ARDS course.
Ford’s week was further improved when it was revealed that the new-for-2015 Spanish F4 Championship will also be utilising the Ford EcoBoost units for its inaugural season. Like the MSA Formula, Spanish F4 will also run with Mygale chassis and offers a prize fund of €420,000 over the course of the season.
According to Carlos Garcia, President of the Spanish Federation, “It’s a championship that was needed in Spain to reprise the success of Racing for Spain. Thanks to private investment is now a reality.”
It is thought the cost for a season in Spanish F4, which will include seven race weekends and several pre-season tests is to be around the €140,000 mark.
© Spanish F4 Championship Media services
© Malcolm Griffiths/GP3 Media Service.
Conor Daly is to return to the GP2 Series for next weekend’s season finale at Abu Dhabi.
The American will rejoin the Venezuela GP Lazarus team having last raced from them at Spa-Francorchamps in August.
Since then, Daly has missed the two rounds held at Monza and Sochi, where he was replaced by Sergio Campana.
Following his promotion from the GP3 Series, this has proved a tricky season for Daly who has suffered numerous car failures and malfunctions. Since his last European round, Daly has been testing the new Indy Lights car and has been attempting to secure a full-time IndyCar drive for 2015.
Ocon won the EUropean F3 championship this year. © FIA F3 Media Services.
FIA European Formula 3 champion Esteban Ocon has become the first junior-series level champion to join the field for the Race Of Champions in Barbados this year.
Ocon joins a whole host of other champions on the grid, which includes multiple Le Mans 24 Hour race and 2013 WEC titleholder Tom Kristensen; Lotus F1 racer and reigning ROC Champion of Champions Romain Grosjean and five-time V8 Supercar champion Jamie Whincup.
Also competing at the end of year special will be Ryan Hunter-Reay (Indy 500 winner and IndyCar champion), Petter Solberg (WRC and World Rallycross champion), Kurt Busch (former NASCAR champion), José-Maria Lopez (WTCC champion) and Susie Wolff (Williams F1 development driver).
The teenager, who is a member of Lotus junior team, recently tested for both Ferrari and Lotus as prizes for his title winning efforts. During a season where he won nine races, Ocon finished well ahead of F3 veteran and fellow rookie Max Verstappen to clinch the crown with Prema Powerteam.
Ahead of the ROC, Ocon said, “To come to the Race Of Champions is a dream come true. When I was a kid I came to watch it at the Stade de France in Paris so I’m really looking forward to seeing how everything works.”
For Fredrik Johnsson, organiser of the ROC, the addition of Ocon makes for an enticing prospect. “Esteban is one of the most exciting young talents in world motor sport at the moment so we are intrigued to see how he gets on at this year’s Race Of Champions.”
Remembering Heikki Kovalainen’s unlikely ROC victory against WRC legend Sebastien Loeb in 2004, Johnsson added, “We’ve had a long history of giving young chargers a chance to take on the legends and they often give the superstars a serious fright. Esteban is no exception and no one will want to be drawn against him.”
This will prove to be a step into the unknown for the 18-year-old, who has only ever raced open-top cars. “The main challenge will be to drive a car with a roof because I’ve never even tested one before – I don’t even have a driving licence! But it shouldn’t be a problem; I’m good at getting on the pace so I will adapt quickly, then we’ll see how far I am from the best.”
Johnsson, too, was keen to acknowledge Ocon’s achievements at such a tender age. “What’s most incredible is that he has achieved so much so young – all before he has even passed his driving test. That means he can’t even drive himself to races but he makes up for that on the track. The Barbados crowd are in for a real treat when they see him race.”
While also competing for individual titles, Ocon will also partner Grosjean in the Nations Cup. “I’ve known Romain for three years, ever since I started coming to the Lotus F1 Team factory. So I’m really looking forward to teaming up with him and hopefully we can achieve a good result for Team France on Saturday,” Ocon said, before adding, “Then it will be even better to try and beat him in the individual Race Of Champions on Sunday…”
After a year’s absence owing to troubles in Thailand, the Race of Champions moves to Bushy Park Circuit in Barbados from December 13th – 14th. More drivers are expected to be added to the entry list in the coming weeks.
Prema Powerteam enjoyed success in F3 with Antonio Fuoco (left) and Esteban Ocon (right) this year. © FIA F3 Media Services.
Leading European Formula 3 and Formula 4 team Prema Powerteam have revealed a plan to refocus their operation ahead of the 2015 season.
The Italian squad, who took both the European F3 and Italian F4 titles with Esteban Ocon and Lance Stroll respectively, have decided to stay in those categories, but are withdrawing for Formula Renault Eurocup and Alps.
Prema Powerteam have a rich history in Formula Renault, having helped the likes of Formula One racer Kamui Kobayashi, IndyCar’s Ryan Briscoe and current European F3 racer Antonio Fuoco to titles respectively.
As the De facto Ferrari junior team, it appears the team has realigned their efforts to focus upon the FIA ladder. Meanwhile Fuoco is likely to spend a second season in European F3 with Prema and is set to be joined by Lance Stroll, with Brandon Maïsano and Jake Dennis also in the runner for the other two seats.
The team also competes in the Italian F4 Winter Trophy at Adria.
René Rosin has led Prema Powerteam to much success in European F3. © FIA F3 Media Services.
© Leigh O’Gorman
Day done, round done, season done. Max Verstappen may have lost the runner-up spot in the final round of the FIA European F3 championship to Tom Blomqvist, but his band of Dutch supporters celebrated regardless.
With only the Macau Grand Prix left on the Dutch driver’s F3 register, the 17-year-old Verstappen will soon have graduated from this level and proceed to a Formula One drive with Red Bull’s smaller sibling, Toro Rosso.
Mind you, despite the wailing from select portions of the sidelines, Verstappen has enjoyed plenty of Formula One experience already. Numerous simulations led to runs in a two-year-old STR machine, before ‘The Son of Jos The Boss’ debuted during Free Practice One at the Japanese Grand Prix a month ago.
Verstappen impressed then and with further mileage under his belt has impressed repeatedly ever since.
In terms of driving a Formula One machine, Verstappen is absolute natural, although his occasional cut-and-thrust nature does mean that he can appear somewhat rough around the edges when dealing with some of the media.
But like everything, that will come easier with time and experience, but only as long as he is allowed to grow and mature in a reasonable manner.
For now though, many of Verstappen’s faithful probably saw him compete up close for the last time in a long time at Hockenheim recently. Those bearing Max flags and paraphernalia will miss this, but hopefully, they will also continue to support him onward.
Florida Winter Series a one-hit wonder? © Florida Winter Series.
There was something of an ominous tweet on the official Florida Winter Series page recently that appeared to slip most people by.
Although the website, which had been closed since this year’s Florida Winter Series concluded, reopened a few weeks ago, it now appears that the series may already be no more.
A tweet posted on the Florida Winter Series’ official twitter page announced that, “We are sorry to tell you that FWS will no longer take place in 2015. We apologise for any inconvenience it may cause.”
Earlier this week, I attempted to contact the series media delegate in the hope of garnering further information, but nothing has been forthcoming as of yet. The Florida Winter Series account has been dormant ever since the last tweet, although due to its relative inactivity that may mean nothing at all.
It is an unfortunate development as this year’s running of the series proved rather popular amongst drivers; however it is unknown at this stage what size entry count the Florida Winter Series had been looking to attract for its 2nd edition. The 2015 programme had already shrunk from the four events of this year to three set for January and February.
Had the series gone ahead, it would have faced growing battle for a share of the young driver market, as both the Toyota Racing Series and Formula Gulf 1000 categories ramp up their 2014/15 “winter” activities; however the latter may begin with a rather small entry count. It is also unclear at this stage if the FIA Formula 3 Winter Series in the Middle East will happen.
Although the Florida Winter Series was backed by the Ferrari Driver Academy, rumours emerging from Italy this week told of the new Ferrari management’s relative ambivalence toward its academy programme.
Reflecting upon the Florida Winter Series, Luca Baldisserri – head of the Ferrari Driver Academy – commented recently that, “The Florida Winter Series was a one of a kind experiment. The format of the championship gave those taking part the opportunity to tackle a first hand experience of what would await each of them in the coming season, rather than just a theoretical one and I sure that each one of them benefited from the competition.”
Baldisserri added: “It was a competition that took place on track, but also involved work on driving technique, as well as learning how to read a race and how to concentrate during qualifying.”
Should the Maranello squad choose to close the Ferrari Driver Academy – which includes Raffaele Marciello, Antonio Fuoco, Guanyu Zhou and Lance Stroll in its programme – it would mark a very disappointing change of track from the famed team.
Tyre changes ahead for Formula Renault. © Renault Sport Media.
Renault Sport Technologies and Michelin have announced that they are investigating a possible switch to 18-inch tyres for the Formula Renault 3.5 Series for the 2016 season.
The entities are also looking into introducing 17-inch tyres for their Formula Renault 2.0 categories.
Renault Sport conducted tests at both the Riccardo Tormo circuit in Valencia and at the Circuit de Cataluña just outside Barcelona to discover whether the changeover will be feasible. The initial runs proved positive, with further tests planned for the coming months.
Although the collaboration between the two parties commenced several months ago, the fruits of their labour is only now being born. Following several in depth simulations, the recent tests offered Renault Sport and Michelin an opportunity to study and understand any changes that may occur should the series officially change to these larger units.
In these tests, they examined the results of changing tyre dimensions with regards to grip and performance of suspension units, while also detailing effects at top speeds. With several modifications in place, factors such as wear rate, road holding and potential depreciation of other mechanical elements were also studied.
According to Renault, cars running the 18-inch tyres showed an improvement of up to one-second-per-lap compared to contemporary tyres constructions when they ran at the same circuit earlier this year’ however this does not take into account change of climactic conditions.
Michelin already supplies 18-inch tyres to the FIA Formula E Championship and have been keen to point out that they will not return to Formula One unless the top category adopts 18-inch tyre regulations, as noted by Michelin Motorsport’s Technical Director, Nicolas Goubert. “Michelin has been championing the principle of 18-inch tyres in Formula 1 since 2010. For our Group, motorsport is above all an incubator for innovation.”
“To demonstrate the benefits of our vision, we decided to use the opportunities presented by our associations with existing partners,” adds Goubert. “The process got off to a successful start within the framework of the new Formula E Championship where the all-electric Spark-Renault single-seater cars use 18-inch tyres. Now, after promising tests, Renault Sport Technologies has accepted to provide us with access to the World Series by Renault which is a tremendous springboard for drivers looking to reach Formula 1.”
Should Formula One choose to go down such a route, it would place Formula Renault in a commanding position for those drivers wishing early experience of such technology. It would be a welcome development for the World Series by Renault category, whose reputation suffered to the GP2 Series this season.
Jean-Pascal Dauce, the Motorsport Director at Renault Sport Technology, acknowledges this factor. “The championships organised by Renault Sport Technologies provide the best possible grooming for young drivers as they target joining the sport’s elite,” notes Dauce. “Should F1 decide to change the size of the tyres it uses, the World Series by Renault will be ready to reaffirm its mission as a school for champions.”
Dauce continues, “Over and above the issues of performance gains and savings regarding mechanical wear, such a switch would only entail minor changes to the cars. At the same time, the latter would contribute to bringing down costs without turning our back on innovation which is something that is dear to us.”
For Michelin Motorsport’s Nicolas Goubert, the long term goal is clear cut. “We are delighted to be exploring this innovative avenue with such a partner and we are confident that, by 2016, the cars will race on bigger-diameter tyres. In any case, the experience of our work with Renault Sport Technologies will allow us to amass valuable data for the development of future-generation Michelin tyres.”
These are not the only alterations set out for pan-European championship. Renault Sport also recently announced its 2015 season calendar; with the series’ 11th season undertake several noticeable schedule changes.
Beginning under the World Series by Renault banner at Motorland Aragon in April, FR3.5 will once again visit Monte Carlo in May as support of the Monaco Grand Prix, before rejoining World Series by Renault at Spa-Francorchamps at the tail end of May.
Thereafter, FR3.5 visits the Hungaroring (June), before making its return to the UK for a round at Silverstone in late August. A round at the Red Bull Ring has also been revealed, but has yet to be given a date, although it is believed that it will slot in between Hungaroring and Silverstone.
In September, the series goes to the Nürburgring and will then make a return to the Le Mans Bugatti circuit for the first time in six years, before finishing once again at Jerez on the third weekend in October. Rounds at Monza and Moscow have been dropped; however the series has not ruled out a return to Russia at some point in the future. A possible Chinese round has also been discussed, but only if the money is there to make it work.
Ever since Red Bull dropped the bombshell that Sebastian Vettel was departing Red Bull Racing, rumblings of Fernando Alonso’s return to McLaren have only strengthened.
However should the Spaniard confirm a move back to Woking, then team boss Ron Dennis will have little choice but to cut either Jenson Button or Kevin Magnussen loose.
—
In one sense, it is a wonderful problem to have. In one corner, your team already possesses two star drivers: one of whom is a respected former world champion, known for methodical approach and calm nature that all too often sits within a narrow performance bridge, while the other an attacking young gun keen to make his mark on the sport.
Across the way lies Fernando Alonso – possibly one of the finest driver’s in the sport as a whole at the moment, if not the finest – and he’s knocking on your door, digging for a drive.
Should the double world champion sign up for a McLaren seat in 2015 – backed by Honda, returning as power unit supplier, then the famed team will have an extremely tricky decision to make.
Alas, running a third car may not be as much of an option as some might be led to believe…
If one were to merely look at the statistics, then the choice between Button and Magnussen would clearly favour the elder Briton. Indeed Jenson’s score of 94 points to Magnussen’s 49 certain offer Button an upper hand; however contradictions quickly emerge.
While points and statistics are useful barometers to have to hand, they rarely expose the complex layers that exist within a Formula One team. If anything, the team may be far more tuned into future potential rather than past glories or the present state and it is here where Button may lose out.
As is well known, Alonso and McLaren have history and any relationship in 2015 may be born through gritted teeth rather than open arms, but having the Spaniard on their books would ensure McLaren possessed one of the most methodical drivers on the grid.
Button, too, is well known for a good feel of a car in the right conditions, but in a difficult car that all too often sits outside of his comfort zone, the Briton’s performance slips away silently. Both would use their vast experience to the best of their abilities, yet one can see Alonso stretching that elastic somewhat further than his British counterpart.
Meanwhile, Magnussen may be short on experience, but he makes up for it in drive and aggression. On occasion this has led to penalties that have reduced Magnussen’s points tally, but the Dane is not making a habit of crashing and that is a good indicator of the driver.
At only 22-years-old, Magnussen should have many years ahead of him in Formula One, but it may require McLaren to knuckle down and to focus Magnussen’s inherent speed with proper guidance. Sidelining Magnussen will only serve to harm the young man’s career.
There lies another pointer though. Where one may look to their experience as a positive marker, it could also be pointed out that both Alonso and Button are close to the end of their careers and it is less than likely that Honda would wish to be in a situation where McLaren will face a wholesale driver change in the very near future.
While there may only be eighteen months between them, Alonso still looks by far the more energetic of the pairing; however his tireless at Ferrari in recent seasons has, on occasion, made Alonso appear strained. It does raise some questions just how long the Oviedo man can keep up this heightened level of performance.
Alas, both McLaren and Honda will be looking long term and they will want a capable young driver to lead the charge once both Button and Alonso have left the stable and Magnussen may be that man.
Sadly though, to make this work for McLaren, it may also mean the end of the road for Jenson Button in three Grand Prix time.
Seven rounds for FR Alps in 2015. © Fast Lane Promotions.
Fast Lane Promotions revealed the 2015 Formula Renault 2.0 Alps calendar, as well as some modifications to their race weekend format.
The feeder to the Formula Renault Eurocup will kick off its seven-round championship at Imola during the second weekend in April, before moving to Pau one month later as a support to the FIA European Championship.
There follows a brief turnaround as the series go to the Red Bull Ring toward the end of May and then Spa-Francorchamps in the first weekend of June, before a gap of one month leading to the fifth round at Monza.
After the Monza round, the series goes quiet for two months, eventually reconvening at Mugello in early September; however a seventh date – set for October – has yet to be confirmed.
There are some alterations to the race weekends. Drivers will enjoy two one hour practice sessions and two fifteen-minute qualifying sessions throughout the season.
However rounds at the Red Bull Ring, Monza and Mugello will consist of three twenty-five minute (plus one lap) races, while the remaining four rounds will be contested over two twenty-five minute (plus one lap) races.
Ocon tested for Ferrari this week. © Scuderia Ferrari
Lotus junior driver and this year’s FIA European F3 Champion Esteban Ocon completed his 2nd Formula One test this week.
Ocon tested the Ferrari F10 at Fiorano on Wednesday, with the Prema Powerteam racer impressing the Luca Baldisserri – head of the Ferrari Driver Academy programme.
Following the conclusion of the session, Baldisserri commented, “Despite it being his first time in one of our cars, he tackled the test without making any mistakes and was quick right from the start.”
Baldisserri added, “It’s always very exciting for we engineers to be there when a young driver gets behind the wheel of a Ferrari Formula 1 car for the first time, because even if we are used to working with rookies, it’s a real surprise to see someone to take to the track, showing a level of professionalism as demonstrated by Esteban.”
Having tested with Lotus recently, the French teenager received the Ferrari test as part of a prize package for winning the prestigious F3 championship this year. Afterward Ocon was appreciative of the F10 and the Fiorano circuit. “The track is very nice, very technical and varied and the car provides plenty of excitement with all its power and the way it responds immediately to driver input.”
Beyond the purely technical aspects of the test, Baldisserri – a former Formula One race engineer and strategist – was quick to appreciate the feelings that can surface in young drivers when they drive a Ferrari for the first time. “It’s not an easy task, especially on an emotional level, because I reckon that driving a Ferrari is a dream for anyone who wants to be a professional racing driver and we hope that today’s good results are a good sign for his future.”
“It was great to walk around the premises of a great company like Ferrari,” said the new F3 title holder. “Only by being here can you get an idea of how much history and tradition you can sense from the place. I am very honoured to have had this opportunity.”
Ocon’s recent test in the Lotus E20 was also a significant one. The Frenchman impressed the team with his maturity, saying that: “I was focused on my job and what I had to do. I didn’t think things like ‘I’m driving an F1 car!’ or stressing about it. No, I was concentrating on the information my engineer was giving me and to keep doing what he said.
“It is very different and the procedures are a lot more complex. The team explained everything to me very well and made me feel very comfortable with everything. It all went perfectly and I got used to it very quickly.”
The 18-year-old heads the charge to Macau in two weeks time as he aims to add the F3 Grand Prix to his list of accolades.
Merhi was a FR3.5 race winner in 2014. © Renault Sport Media.
Formula Renault 3.5 title challenger Roberto Merhi has revealed that he was close to retiring from racing altogether this year.
Following a dismal period with Mercedes in the DTM from 2012-13, the Spaniard made the bold move to return to single-seaters at the beginning of this year, joining the Zeta Corse squad in FR3.5.
However before things came good for Merhi, the former Formula 3 Euro Series champion had to suffer a tricky start and end to the season. “At the start, I was wanting to retire, because we were having problems and I thought ‘what is the point? Do I retire?’” He continues: “Then the team said ‘continue with us, try to get good results’ and I continued and got good results.”
With four races remaining, Merhi had closed the gap to eventual champions Carlos Sainz Jr to just 16 points with 100 still available.
However with the nimble the Zeta Corse machine proving a surprise package around the tighter, slower circuits, the Spaniard inevitably lost out when the set-up direction proved unco-operative on the final two quick circuits on the calendar, with Merhi eventually dropping to 3rd in the standings behind Pierre Gasly.
While disappointed with his final placing, Merhi feels a point has been made. “I [got] used to the formula car once again and I am pretty OK. My team also [did] a good job and when I ask for combinations or changes, they can do it and every time we change something, we think ‘well, this is working.’”
Despite finding himself in a championship fight, Merhi and the Zeta Corse team found comfort in a steep learning curve that leant closer to big changes in set-up, rather than incremental alterations. “Most of the time, things are working because we are going in the right direction and we quite like doing that, because it is not easy when you find something that needs work immediately. Normally it takes a while, like it does in other categories.”
Alongside his FR3.5 efforts, Merhi tested for the Caterham Formula One team in three Free Practice sessions, beginning at the Italian Grand Prix weekend in September. Merhi admits it was an opportunity he could not turn down. “After the [Hungarian Grand Prix], Caterham called me and said there was a chance to come and visit us and drive the simulator to see how I could go and they wanted to give me an opportunity to test the car in Monza.”
The Caterham team were recently placed into administration, effectively ending any immediate opportunities for further F1 tests; however the Spaniard was happy with his performances and the impression he made. “I am quite happy about the test, because I was quite competitive […] in the Formula One car and quite happy about the result.”
Asked whether any other opportunities are on the horizon, the Spaniard conceded that at the moment, “I don’t know.”
The Spaniard also tested three times with Caterham F1. © Caterham F1 Team.
Auto GP has suffered from poor grids in 2014. © Auto GP Organisation.
Last weekend’s Auto GP World Series finale at Estoril marked a disappointing end to the 2014 season for the beleaguered single-seater category.
At this time of transition where we are seeing some championships flourish and others fail, Auto GP is beginning to slide deeper into the latter category.
The inability to stay on the full season WTCC support programme after 2012; the introduction of the new car and its associated costs; a small and undersold media package and a less than superb reputation have all caused numbers to drop somewhat in recent seasons.
The rounds at Monza and Imola enjoyed the largest grids, but even they only attracted thirteen entries apiece, while only ten visited Estoril. The money demanded for drives did drop in some cases this season, but only because teams were struggling to sell drives to bring some money into play.
The series has the smell of death that followed the Euroseries Formula 3000 category in 2009, which Auto GP would eventually take over.
In the wider world of motorsport, there is not a huge amount of sympathy for Auto GP. While the cars are very good machines, the series is generally viewed as one that merely subtracts from existing championships, rather than one that can build foundations for careers.
The prize money on offer is a nice touch – and one which go a long way to help drivers up the ladder – but it does little to realistically push a driver into the wider consciousness.
When a driver wins a title, the first question that should be asked is “Who did they beat?” Although Kimiya Sato thoroughly deserves congratulations for winning the Auto GP title, it is not a crown that will be looked upon as a game changer in his career.
Kimiya Sato took the title one round early. © Auto GP Organisation.
Berger spent three seasons as FIA Single-Seater Commission President. © FIA F3 Media Services.
Former McLaren and Ferrari Formula One driver Gerhard Berger will step down from his position as President of the FIA Single-Seater Commission at the end of the year.
The Austrian took the position toward the end of 2011, but it was believed that the placement was only to last one year.
Berger, whose primary industry is Berger Logistik – a road haulage company – has also previously acted as Competitions Director at BMW, prior to purchasing the Toro Rosso Formula One team alongside Red Bull boss Dietrich Mateschitz.
In his FIA role, Berger proved a controversial figure that appeared unafraid to ruffle feathers when they needed to be ruffled.
For all the criticisms leveled at the 55-year-old, the ladder to Formula One was a shocking mess prior to his appointment and while is still remains somewhat convoluted, the reawakening of the European F3 Championship has thus far proved a success.
Although it is far too early to declare whether the national Formula 4 categories will be as successful, there have been plenty of positive noises emerging from the various ASN’s and teams.
Berger’s tenure was not without issue however. Despite late attempts from the British Formula 3 Teams’ Association and SRO boss Stéphane Ratel to come to a deal with the board of the ATS Formula 3, the British F3 Series was lost this month and it looks likely that German F3 will go the same way.
Meanwhile championships of questionable value – such as the likes of Auto GP and Euroformula Open – continue to struggle along in an environment dominated by heightened costs and lowering relevance, while a seemingly endless supply of 1.6 and 2.0 litre Formula Renault categories pepper the continent.
There is little doubt that Berger’s approach and attitude rubbed a lot of people up the wrong way, but sometimes such a figure is needed to bring shape to what can be a chaotic industry.
FIA President Jean Todt visited with FIA Single-Seater Commission President Gerhard Berger. © FIA F3 Media Services.
© Leigh O’Gorman
Occasionally in life, the quiet moments ring through the most special. When one spends so much flirting between an office in London and gravel filled stadiums of speed, find silence can be difficult.
But this was nice.
Pinned for an extra few hours to the town Hockenheim on Sunday evening due to a nationwide train strike across Germany would normally break my patience.
Yet while wandering the town, where most places had shut up for the evening – or in some cases had not opened that day – I came across a little ice cream shop offering relief.
A sweet portion of vanilla and nut flavour dessert followed by a coffee was enough to slow my temperament and head for the evening and cool my nerves.
Small towns breathe and exist in a way that cities never could; the slower nature becoming an easy remedy for the frantic noise that spill from cities. Sitting and looking out the window as life passes by can be dangerous in some situations, but also a wonderful cure in others.
Tom Blomqvist (left) with Carlin stablemate Jake Dennis. © FIA F3 Media Service.
Tom Blomqvist was the big winner of a subdued final weekend of the 2014 FIA European F3 Championship.
The 20-year-old ended his stint in the European Championship by securing 2nd in the title race ahead of future star Max Verstappen.
While the 17-year-old Max struck with a win in Race One, the Dutch teen’s efforts were hampered in Friday evening’s second qualifying session, dropping him to the lower reaches of the top ten for the final two races.
Blomqvist on the other hand took two poles and with a win in the second race, the job was almost done. There was still the matter of the finale and while Blomqvist fell behind Lucas Auer and Jordan King, Verstappen was nowhere near close enough to apply pressure.
But…
It never felt like it mattered. Already crowned as champion, Esteban Ocon and his Prema Powerteam compatriots rarely featured, while Verstappen’s assured future in Formula One means his final position in the standings is irrelevant.
Blomqvist may have won the battle against Verstappen, but the “Son of Stig” has no set plans for 2015 and precious little money with which to bargain with, Blomqvist may find himself on the outside looking in, despite his successes.
Lucas Auer won in Hockenheim. © FIA F3 Media Service.
Lucas Auer claimed his third FIA European Formula 3 victory of the season at the Hockenheimring this morning.
The Austrian took the lead on the opening lap after a wheel-to-wheel battle with Tom Blomqvist that lasted from turn one through to the Mercedes corner three-quarters of a lap later.
The race was briefly halted by a safety car period when an overambitious Tatiana Calderon collided with Felix Serralles and Jules Szymkowiak at the hairpin on lap one.
From the lap four restart, Auer pulled a 1.3s gap over Blomqvist and never looked threatened thereafter.
By the halfway mark, the Mücke man had now drawn a two second advantage over Blomqvist; however with the 2nd place man coming under increasing pressure from Jordan King, Auer relaxed into a solid pace, bringing his Mercedes-powered machine home to a welcome victory, ending what has been a frustrating season.
It proved a satisfying victory for Auer who once again suffered minor gearbox issues during the race, causing him to occasionally lose time in the middle sector of the lap.
King eventually took 2nd place from Blomqvist three laps from the end when the Briton spotted a gap inside his Anglo-Kiwi teammate at the hairpin. Caught slightly unawares, Blomqvist failed to close the door, until King has forced his way down the inside, pushing Blomqvist down a position as a result.
King had also driven a brilliant opening lap. Starting 5th, the Englishman pipped Antonio Giovinazzi into turn two, before making a decisive move on Felix Rosenqvist into Mercedes, just prior to the launch of the safety car.
Although Blomqvist was disappointed to have lost the place to King, the Jagonya Ayam Carlin man had still done enough to solidify 2nd in the championship ahead of Max Verstappen.
Rosenqvist enjoyed a tough battle with Giovinazzi to claim 4th place for Mücke. The Swede held his Italian rival at bay for much of the race, with Giovinazzi spending large portions of the contest close to Rosenqvist’s rear wing, but was rarely close enough to force a change of position.
Giovinazzi did a have a go on lap 13, but on the one occasion that he needed to defend hard, Rosenqvist managed Giovinazzi to keep the Jagonya Ayam Carlin man behind.
Verstappen, meanwhile, had another relatively quiet race in his van Amersfoort machine. From 7th on the grid, Verstappen took Esteban Ocon off the line, only for the Frenchman to retake Verstappen when the latter ran wide at the final corner come the restart after the safety car.
Verstappen did look somewhat racey for a time – in his chase, the van Amersfoort man dived down the inside of Ocon at the hairpin on lap seven, as he tyre smoked his way into the corner; however Ocon immediately overlapped Verstappen, as the 17-year-old slid well wide.
Thereafter Verstappen trailed the Rosenqvist / Giovinazzi / Ocon trio, but the Dutch teen passed Ocon again spectacularly at the entrance to Mercedes, when he sneaked down the inside of Ocon, briefly locking wheels with his target before passing.
Ocon followed Verstappen hope, but this weekend the series champion and Prema Powerteam man rarely threatened the front and in this instance did nt look like breaking back into the top six.
In the distance Sean Gelael finished 8th in his Jagonya Ayam Carlin entry, several seconds clear of Carlin stablemate Ed Jones (9th).
Dennis van de Laar rounded out the points when he passed Jake Dennis on the final lap. Dennis had until then driven brilliantly to climb from last to 10th by the seventh tour, only to lose it when a mistake in sector one dropped him behind van de Laar.
Beyond that, the race was run one lap shorter than scheduled when Gustavo Menezes’ smoking van Amersfoort machine caused the first start to be aborted. The American would then get a drive through penalty when he retook his position on the grid, when he was supposed to start from the pitlane.
There was the usual fun and games at the back when Alexander Toril was hit by Roy Nissany on lap 15, before Nissany had a separate off of his own moments later.
Auer’s victory ends a frustrating year for Mücke in F3. © FIA F3 Media Service.
Blomqvist led Giovinazzi in a Jagonya Ayam Carlin 1-2 finish. © FIA F3 Media Services.
Jagonya Ayam with Carlin driver Tom Blomqvist took his sixth victory of the FIA European F3 season in a slightly shortened race at the Hockenheimring today.
The 20-year-old led every lap of the race at the German circuit, followed by teammate Antonio Giovinazzi and Lucas Auer.
The race was red flagged on the final lap when Antonio Fuoco clattered Jake Dennis from behind in the Mercedes corner in what can be best described an ambitious move by the Italian teenager.
Blomqvist made the win look easy. While the Carlin man escaped from the grid, Auer edged Giovinazzi for 2nd into turn one; however having taken one Carlin driver, the Austrian had no answer for Blomqvist’s pace.
After five laps, Blomqvist had already built a lead of just under two seconds; however a brief safety car to clear debris from Michele Beretta’s damaged EuroInternational car neutralised preceding’s for a time.
Once restarted, Blomqvist simply pulled away again and had built a gap of four seconds when the race was halted. On countback, Blomqvist held a 3.9s gap to Giovinazzi, with Auer 1.38s further in arrears.
As Blomqvist’s rival for 2nd in the championship, Max Verstappen, could do no better than 5th place in the race, Blomqvist enters into tomorrow’s finale with a two-point advantage.
Giovinazzi’s runner-up finish solidified 6th in the championship standings for the Italian. The 20-year-old had settled into 3rd place when Auer’s Mücke machine locked into third gear on the approach into the hairpin four laps from the end.
The resultant lock sent Auer into the tarmac run off area and while he escaped, he could do nothing to stop Giovinazzi reclaiming 2nd place. The issue topped off another frustrating day for Auer, who had suffered a similar transmission problem on several occasions during the weekend.
Series champion Esteban Ocon came home 4th following a reasonably quiet race for Prema Powerteam. The French teenager took Felix Rosenqvist for 5th at the start and then passed Jordan King on the third lap, but could progress no further than that.
Unusually, Max Verstappen drove a mostly subdued race to 5th. Having started 9th, the Dutch teen grabbed two places off the line, only to be brilliantly repassed by Tatiana Calderon in the Mercedes section on the 2nd tour.
It was not for long though. Within two laps, Verstappen had taken Calderon again, before passing King, who had suffered a damaged front wing while battling with Ocon just prior to the safety car. Thereafter, Verstappen settled into something of a lonely 5th place, where he neither threatened nor was threatened.
Rosenqvist finished 6th having also passed Calderon on lap four. The Swede briefly challenged Verstappen for the top five following the safety car routine, but never truly looked like making a move.
Roy Nissany drove a solid race to take 7th. The Israelite made several places at the start and passed Calderon on lap five, while Calderon stayed close to the Mücke man to assume 8th.
Gustavo Menezes ended the day in 9th, ahead of Dennis van de Laar who rose to 10th place to score the final point.
Spike Goddard drove an ‘interesting’ race. The Australian used the rear of Beretta’s car as a break in the Stadium section on lap four, which eventually brought out the safety car and on lap eleven, he suffered a lazy spin in the stadium ensuring a finish near the back.
Sean Gelael rammed the rear of Fuoco on the opening lap, pitching the latter in a spin. The Italian had risen to 13th – which included a fabulous brief tussle with Santino Ferrucci – when he collided clumsily with Dennis. Ed Jones, meanwhile, received a penalty for a jump-start, while Stefano Coletti picked up a drive through penalty for repeatedly breaching track limits. The Monegasque racer pulled into the pits simply to retire.
Verstappen took his 10th FIA F3 win at Hockenheim. © FIA F3 Media Services.
Max Verstappen won the opening FIA European Formula 3 race of the season’s final round at Hockenheim.
In what amounted to a stale race, dominated from the front by the Dutch racer, Verstappen made it look easy at a circuit where overtaking can often be difficult.
Verstappen led from the line, with a sluggish Lucas Auer (Mücke Motorsport) in tow, while Tom Blomqvist (Jagonya Ayam Carlin) slotted into 3rd place.
Auer did press Verstappen hard initially, only for the van Amersfoort man to extend his lead significantly following the opening half-dozen tours. Thereafter, Verstappen was rarely under any kind of threat as he drew further away from Auer to win by 3.78s after 22 laps.
Behind Verstappen, Auer too drove a safe race to the runner-up spot. Although the Austrian spent a touch too long in a low gear at the start, Auer had enough of an advantage to keep Blomqvist behind through the opening bends, before building a sizeable gap to the Jagonya Ayam Carlin man.
Blomqvist filled out the podium places, although he was not always alone, as he led teammate Antonio Giovinazzi and Mücke’s Felix Rosenqvist home.
Indeed Rosenqvist did battle with Giovinazzi for a portion of the race, only for him to drop back slightly, as he managed intentions of 6th place Jordan King (Carlin).
King took the top six place after he passed Prema Powerteam’s Esteban Ocon on the ninth lap, with a decisive divebomb down the inside of the hairpin. It has been a subdued weekend for the entire Prema Powerteam squad, who appear to running on empty this weekend – their other charges Antonio Fuoco and Dennis van de Laar could do no better than 14th and 17th respectively.
Gustavo Menezes brought home four valuable points for his van Amersfoort team. The American finished 3.52s ahead of Felix Serralles (Team West-Tec), who wheelbanged his way past Sean Gelael (Jagonya Ayam Carlin) on the lap ten.
Jake Dennis did what he could from last place (24th). A great start ensured the Briton was as high as 17th by the end of lap on, before he took Jules Szymkowiak and Nick Cassidy to finish 15th at the flag.
Michele Beretta spun himself into the barriers on lap eight, while Andy Chang and Stefano Coletti were retirements in the pits on laps 13 and 16.
© Leigh O’Gorman
I have always believed that there can be a point when one becomes so wealthy, their worth ceases to be money.
Rather than wealth that can be measured by context, the super rich merely possess numbers on a screen – albeit lots of zeroes…
When one is worth billions of Dollars, Euro, Pound Sterling or otherwise, is one’s money even real anymore?
If nothing else, the power to turn heads persists, as the Stroll family displayed in Imola last weekend. Present to celebrate Lance Stroll’s victory in the FIA Italian F4 Championship, the Stroll’s attended the season finalé, despite the teenage Lance’s inability to race due to a rib injury.
While that is no surprise, what was quite eye-opening was the size of Stroll’s private motorhome at the back of the paddock. Easily coming to approximately half the size of a current Formula One motorhome for its European season, the Stroll motorhome represented an excess that even had seasoned F3 people turning their heads.
At a rumoured cost of just over €4m, a few HGV’s delivered the unit, which took staff some three days to construct. Such is the enormity of the motorhome, it measure almost twice the size as many of the F3 trucks and awnings in the FIA F3 paddock. It really was quite an incredible sight for a driver who, let’s not forget, is only emerging from Formula 4.
Whether the Stroll’s will be able to cart the motorhome into the somewhat busier DTM paddocks next year when Lance is in F3 is unknown for now.
But it would be fun to see them try to bring that monster machine to Pau…
Blomqvist took double-pole at Hockenheim. © FIA F3 Media Service.
Jagonya Ayam with Carlin driver Tom Blomqvist struck back at rival Max Verstappen when he claimed the final two pole positions of the FIA European F3 season this evening.
Blomqvist, who is battling Verstappen for the runner-up spot in the championship, destroyed the opposition with two laps in the 1’31s range – the only driver to do so today.
Blomqvist’s initial run – a 1:31.987s – had already set the Anglo-Kiwi almost three-tenths ahead of his nearest rival and teammate Antonio Giovinazzi, but a spectacular late effort scrubbed another 0.170s from that time.
It marked a good session too for Giovinazzi who backed up his 2nd place start for Race 2, with a 4th place qualifying for Race 3, while Mücke’s Lucas Auer collected a 3rd (Race 2) and a 2nd (Race 3).
With the end of a tough season approaching, Felix Rosenqvist showed some metal by twice qualifying in the top five, surrounded either way by Jordan King. Series champion Esteban Ocon twice secured 6th, while Prema Powerteam teammate Antonio Fuoco nabbed two 7th’s.
The surprise of the session was Zeller/Mücke racer Tatiana Calderon who recorded the 8th best time for Race 2 and will line-up just ahead of Max Verstappen.
Indeed in an unusual scene, Verstappen will also start from 8th in Rcae 3 – a stark contrast to the earlier qualifying session, where the van Amersfoort driver took pole.
The session was briefly red flagged when Roy Nissany spun off in the final sequence of corners, only for the Israelite to rejoin under his own steam once the qualifying had been neutralised.
2014 FIA European F3 Championship (Rd 11, Grid Race 2)
Pos Driver Team/Engine Time/Gap
1. Tom Blomqvist Jagonya Ayam Carlin-VW 1:31.817
2. Antonio Giovinazzi Jagonya Ayam Carlin-VW +0.335
3. Lucas Auer Mucke-Merc +0.428
4. Jordan King Carlin-VW +0.586
5. Felix Rosenqvist Mucke-Merc +0.597
6. Esteban Ocon Prema Powerteam-Merc +0.605
7. Antonio Fuoco Powerteam-Merc +0.616
8. Tatiana Calderon Zeller/Mucke-Merc +0.937
9. Max Verstappen van Amersfoort-VW +1.015
10. Sean Gelael Jagonya Ayam Carlin-VW +1.023
11. Roy Nissany Mucke-Merc +1.105
12. Gustavo Menezes van Amersfoort-VW +1.133
13. Dennis van de Laar Powerteam-Merc +1.183
14. Ed Jones Carlin-VW +1.222
15. Felix Serralles Team West-Tec-Merc +1.360
16. Santino Ferrucci Fortec-Merc +1.504
17. Jules Szymkowiak van Amersfoort-VW +1.574
18. Jake Dennis Carlin-VW +1.655
19. Spike Goddard T-Sport-NBE +2.073
20. Alexander Toril T-Sport-NBE +2.077
21. Stefano Coletti EuroInternational-Merc +2.211
22. Michele Beretta EuroInternational-Merc +2.545
23. Sandro Zeller Zeller –Merc +2.580
24. Andy Chang Team West-Tec-Merc +2.631
25. Nick Cassidy T-Sport-NBE {no time}
2014 FIA European F3 Championship (Rd 11, Grid Race 3)
Pos Driver Team/Engine Time/Gap
1. Tom Blomqvist Jagonya Ayam Carlin-VW 1:31.987
2. Lucas Auer Mucke-Merc +0.299
3. Felix Rosenqvist Mucke-Merc +0.442
4. Antonio Giovinazzi Jagonya Ayam Carlin-VW +0.558
5. Jordan King Carlin-VW +0.682
6. Esteban Ocon Prema Powerteam-Merc +0.723
7. Antonio Fuoco Powerteam-Merc +0.776
8. Max Verstappen van Amersfoort-VW +0.859
9. Sean Gelael Jagonya Ayam Carlin-VW +0.861
10. Gustavo Menezes van Amersfoort-VW +1.126
11. Ed Jones Carlin-VW +1.214
12. Roy Nissany Mucke-Merc +1.343
13. Felix Serralles Team West-Tec-Merc +1.346
14. Dennis van de Laar Powerteam-Merc +1.369
15. Jules Szymkowiak van Amersfoort-VW +1.405
16. Tatiana Calderon Zeller/Mucke-Merc +1.469
17. Santino Ferrucci Fortec-Merc +1.526
18. Jake Dennis Carlin-VW +1.640
19. Spike Goddard T-Sport-NBE +1.962
20. Alexander Toril T-Sport-NBE +2.025
21. Stefano Coletti EuroInternational-Merc +2.101
22. Andy Chang Team West-Tec-Merc +2.563
23. Michele Beretta EuroInternational-Merc +2.571
24. Sandro Zeller Zeller –Merc +2.576
25. Nick Cassidy T-Sport-NBE {no time}
© FIA F3 Media Service.
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